Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Austin Lai, Peter Thurgood, Charles D. Cox, Chanly Chheang, Karlheinz Peter, Anthony Jaworowski, Khashayar Khoshmanesh, Sara Baratchi
Summary: This study investigates the influence of extracellular matrix (ECM) composition on the mechanosensitivity of the Piezo1 ion channel in response to hemodynamic forces. The presence of ECM proteins does not affect the sensitivity of Piezo1 to shear stress, but different ECM proteins regulate Piezo1 sensitivity depending on the shear stress level. These findings demonstrate that ECM/integrin interactions play a role in Piezo1 mechanosensitivity and provide new insights into how Piezo1 senses shear stress.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Austin Lai, Peter Thurgood, Charles D. Cox, Chanly Chheang, Karlheinz Peter, Anthony Jaworowski, Khashayar Khoshmanesh, Sara Baratchi
Summary: The composition of the extracellular matrix affects the mechanosensitivity of the Piezo1 channel in response to hemodynamic forces. Different ECM proteins can regulate the sensitivity of Piezo1 to shear stress, while integrins play important roles in this process.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Ning Xie, Cailan Xiao, Qiuai Shu, Bo Cheng, Ziwei Wang, Runxin Xue, Zhang Wen, Jinhai Wang, Haitao Shi, Daiming Fan, Na Liu, Feng Xu
Summary: Mechanical stimuli in the cell microenvironment play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, and Rho GTPases have been recognized as important intracellular mediators of mechanotransduction. However, the mechanisms of upstream mechanosensors and downstream effectors of Rho proteins remain unclear. This review provides a comprehensive summary of mechanical cues in the cell microenvironment and recent advances in understanding the roles of Rho-based mechanotransduction in cell activities, physiological processes, and diseases.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Inmaculada Navarro-Lerida, Anna M. Aragay, Alejandro Asensio, Catalina Ribas
Summary: All processes in human physiology rely on homeostatic mechanisms, and autophagy is a critical modulator of homeostatic balance. Understanding the regulation and mechanisms of autophagy is of great importance in both protective and detrimental functions. The identification of selective receptors involved in autophagy regulation is an open question and represents a new area of research. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically G alpha q, play a fundamental role in the control of cellular homeostasis and autophagy. Exploring the integration of GPCR-G proteins machinery in response to different stresses could provide insights into new signaling pathways and therapeutic strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor L. Thijssen
Summary: Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel growth, is tightly regulated and involves endothelial cells adopting different phenotypes to proliferate, migrate, and form tube-like structures. The galectin protein family is crucial for proper angiogenesis execution and has been linked to endothelial cell function and various steps of the angiogenesis cascade.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jesse Roman
Summary: Wound healing involves the accumulation of fibroblasts in injured tissues, where they play a crucial role in tissue repair through the expression and assembly of extracellular matrices, recruitment and differentiation of cells, and immune response regulation. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to tissue destruction and loss of organ function.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daphne O. Asgeirsson, Michael G. Christiansen, Thomas Valentin, Luca Somm, Nima Mirkhani, Amin Hosseini Nami, Vahid Hosseini, Simone Schuerle
Summary: The study presents methods for spatiotemporally probing and manipulating extracellular matrix networks at a scale relevant to cells using magnetic microprobes (mu Rods). Techniques leverage 3D magnetic field generation, physical modeling, and image analysis to examine and apply mechanical stimuli to fibrous collagen matrices. The study determined shear moduli and modeled the effects of proximity to rigid surfaces and local fiber densification, demonstrating 3D actuation and pose extraction of fluorescently labelled mu Rods in response to magnetic torques.
Article
Cell Biology
Jeanne Hsieh, Kelsie L. Becklin, Sophie Givens, Elizabeth R. Komosa, Juan E. Abrahante Llorens, Forum Kamdar, Branden S. Moriarity, Beau R. Webber, Bhairab N. Singh, Brenda M. Ogle
Summary: A study found that early-stage HCM can lead to extracellular matrix remodeling and disrupted cell-ECM adhesion.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hugh Xiao, Ryan Y. Nguyen, Ryan LaRanger, Erica L. Herzog, Michael Mak
Summary: Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix play a key role in modulating biological processes, yet the mechanical regulation associated with these interactions is not well characterized. Through a novel image analysis platform, combined with drug studies and quantitative analysis, researchers are able to provide insights into cell mechanics and its implications in a 3D collagen gel.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Aron N. Horvath, Andreas A. Ziegler, Stephan Gerhard, Claude N. Holenstein, Benjamin Beyeler, Jess G. Snedeker, Unai Silvan
Summary: Research has shown that tensile deformations induce specific cellular responses, but the early response of cells to sustained substrate-based stretch remains elusive. The newly developed dynamic traction force microscopy method allows imaging of transient subcellular events with subsecond temporal resolution, revealing the mechanical properties of cells immediately after the application of equibiaxial strain.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Tao Liu, Wan Xiang, Zhizhuang Chen, Gang Wang, Rui Cao, Fenfang Zhou, Zhe Meng, Yongwen Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study found that hypoxia is elevated in ccRCC and may be an independent risk factor for prognosis in ccRCC patients. The study also revealed that PLOD2 is transcriptionally activated by HIF1A, interacts with EGFR, and ultimately promotes the malignant progression of ccRCC by activating the AKT signaling pathway.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephan Niland, Johannes A. Eble
Summary: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key focus in cancer research and treatment, involving various components including ECM and modifying enzymes. Cells within the TME interact with the ECM, influencing tumor progression through feedback mechanisms involving cellular receptors, cytokines, and exosomes. Matrix remodeling in the TME, particularly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), plays a crucial role in modifying ECM barriers and releasing soluble ECM fragments that impact cells both within and outside the TME.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yaru Guo, Feng Mei, Ying Huang, Siqin Ma, Yan Wei, Xuehui Zhang, Mingming Xu, Ying He, Boon Chin Heng, Lili Chen, Xuliang Deng
Summary: This study demonstrates that matrix stiffness promotes sprouting of endothelial cells and regulates the formation of tip cells through a specific signaling axis. The findings have significant implications for biomaterial design and treatment of pathological conditions.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sebastian E. Amos, Yu Suk Choi
Summary: Metastatic cascade poses a significant challenge to cancer patient survival, with mechanical stimuli and microenvironment playing crucial roles in the metastatic process.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mark Colasurdo, Elisa B. Nieves, Marc A. Fernandez-Yague, Christian Franck, Andres J. Garcia
Summary: Cell-extracellular matrix forces play a crucial role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. However, the study of mechanobiology in three-dimensional systems is still limited. In this study, a platform integrating a synthetic hydrogel system with 3D traction force microscopy was developed to evaluate deformation and force responses within synthetic microenvironments. The findings shed light on the contributions of adhesive peptide density and polymer density, as well as matrix stiffness, to 3D force generation by fibroblasts. Rho-kinase-dependent contractility and vinculin expression were also found to be essential for significant 3D force generation. This research provides valuable insights into mechanobiology and how cells sense and transmit forces in three dimensions.
Article
Cell Biology
Shun-Fu Chang, Cheng-Nan Chen, Jung-Chung Lin, Hsin-Ell Wang, Shigetarou Mori, Jia-Je Li, Chia-Kuang Yen, Ching-Yun Hsu, Chang-Phone Fung, Pele Choi-Sing Chong, Chih-Hsiang Leng, Yi-Jun Ding, Feng-Yee Chang, L. Kristopher Siu
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kuo-Chin Huang, Po-Yao Chuang, Rong-Ze Hsieh, Cheng-Nan Chen, Shun-Fu Chang, Yu-Ping Su
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cheng-Ming Hsu, Ming-Yu Yang, Ming-Shao Tsai, Geng-He Chang, Yao-Hsu Yang, Yao-Te Tsai, Ching-Yuan Wu, Shun-Fu Chang
Summary: HNSCCs, the most common cancers of the head and neck, present a clinical challenge due to high recurrence rates and treatment resistance. This study explored the potential anticancer effects of DT, a compound in danshen, on HNSCCs, showing promising results in inducing cell apoptosis and reducing tumor size.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shun-Fu Chang, Kuo-Chin Huang, Kuan-Han Lee, Yao-Chang Chiang, Wei-Ru Lee, Rong-Ze Hsieh, Yu-Ping Su, Shun-Chi Wu
Summary: The study reveals the damaging effects of visfatin on human primary chondrocytes, impacting mechanical changes and intracellular biochemical reactions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of osteoarthritis development. The inactivation of GSK3 beta and subsequent regulation of intracellular mechanics may serve as theranostic targets for future drug development for OA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Ting-Chung Wang, Sheng-Jie Luo, Shun-Fu Chang
Summary: The study reveals that BMP7 promotes the transmigration and migration abilities of glioblastoma cells through the Smad5-p75NTR signaling pathway, with the underlying mechanisms requiring further investigation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Sheng Lin, Tzu-Hao Chang, Wan-Chun Ho, Shun-Fu Chang, Yung-Lung Chen, Shih-Tai Chang, Huang-Chung Chen, Kuo-Li Pan, Mien-Cheng Chen
Summary: The study suggests that the altered cytoskeletons in VPC-induced cardiomyopathy, particularly involving the Rac2/cofilin pathway, play a crucial role in sarcomere morphology and Z-line arrangement disarray.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Ko-Chao Lee, Kuen-Lin Wu, Chia-Kung Yen, Cheng-Nan Chen, Shun-Fu Chang, Wen-Shih Huang
Summary: This study elucidated the role of the adipocyte-containing microenvironment in the development of 5-FU resistance in CRC, and highlighted the potential of 6-shogaol and AMPK signaling in CRC therapy.
Article
Biology
Kuen-Lin Wu, Ko-Chao Lee, Chia-Kuang Yen, Cheng-Nan Chen, Shun-Fu Chang, Wen-Shih Huang
Summary: The study found that visfatin significantly reduces CRC sensitivity to capecitabine by controlling TYMS expression, while resveratrol can significantly alleviate the visfatin effect on capecitabine-treated CRC cells. These results provide new insights into understanding capecitabine susceptibility of CRC under a visfatin-containing environment and suggest a potential therapeutic application of resveratrol in CRC patients with obesity.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ko-Chao Lee, Kuen-Lin Wu, Chia-Kung Yen, Shun-Fu Chang, Cheng-Nan Chen, Ying-Chen Lu
Summary: The drug resistance of colorectal cancer cells against 5-fluorouracil therapy is a major challenge. This study found that resistin induced ERK activation and increased NLRP3 expression in CRC cells via Toll-like receptor 4, which is associated with the development of drug resistance to 5-FU. In addition, fermented quercetin enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5-FU in resistin-treated CRC cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shun-Fu Chang, Hsiao-En Tsai, Jong-Tar Kuo, Yu-Rong Ruan, Chiu-Yen Chen, Shin-Yi Wang, Po-Yu Liu, Ding-Yu Lee
Summary: This study elucidates the relationship between blood reflux and epigenetic factors HDACs and DNMTs, as well as their roles in chronic venous disease (CVD). The results show that blood reflux leads to increased expression of HDACs and DNMTs, inhibiting metabolic regulation and promoting venous endothelial cell dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ko-Chao Lee, Kuen-Lin Wu, Shun-Fu Chang, Hsin- Chang, Cheng-Nan Chen, Yih-Yuan Chen
Summary: Ginger extracts have beneficial effects and can enhance bioactivity. Fermentation of NaDES-ginger extract using Lactobacillus reuteri increases antioxidant activity and enhances anticancer effects on oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells.
Article
Biology
Te-Chuan Chen, Chen-Wei Huang, Chih-Yu Lo, Cheng-Nan Chen, Shun-Fu Chang, Yih-Yuan Chen
Summary: The present study investigated the impact of obesity and adipokines on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells' resistance to sunitinib. The study found that visfatin increased SREBP-1 expression in RCC cells, leading to sunitinib resistance. Simvastatin attenuated the effects of visfatin and enhanced the cytotoxicity of sunitinib in RCC cells.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kuo-Chin Huang, Ding-Yu Lee, Po-Yao Chuang, Tien-Yu Yang, Yu-Ping Su, Shun-Fu Chang
Summary: This study investigates the osteoinductive capability of chitosan scaffolds cross-linked with different doses of glucose. The results show that scaffolds with higher glucose contents improve cell adhesion, survival, differentiation, and mineralization. The study also reveals the primary adhesion molecule and signaling pathway involved in osteoinduction.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
I-Yun Lee, Shun-Fu Chang, Chin-Yuan Wu, Yu-Shi Lin, Hui-Chen Su, Yao-Te Tsai, Ming-Shao Tsai, Geng-He Chang, Ming-Yu Yang, Yao-Hsu Yang, Pei-Rung Yang, Cheng-Ming Hsu
Summary: This study retrospectively reviewed patients with vocal fold nodules who received traditional Chinese medicine treatments and found that herbs like Glycyrrhiza glabra and Platycodon grandifloras may offer beneficial outcomes as alternative treatments. The clinical and in vitro results supported this conclusion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shun-Fu Chang, Wei-Hsun Yang, Chun-Yu Cheng, Sheng-Jie Luo, Ting-Chung Wang
Summary: Inhibition of gamma-secretase activity promotes glioma cell migration by downregulating E-cadherin expression, with Smad5 playing a role in regulating this process independently. Additionally, endogenous Smad1 in glioma cells is involved in regulating E-cadherin expression and cell migration, but does not affect the effects of gamma-secretase inhibitor DAPT. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of gamma-secretase activity regulation in controlling glioma cell malignancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)