Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shichen Zhang, Wei Ju, Xiaoyi Chen, Yanyan Zhao, Lingchong Feng, Zi Yin, Xiao Chen
Summary: This review summarizes recent research on the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components of tendons and highlights the application of multiple detection methodologies concerning the structure of ECMs. The focus is on macro to micro detection methods for tendons, and current techniques for evaluating the extracellular matrix of tendons at the micro level are introduced in detail. The review also emphasizes future ECM detection methods and the potential for fabricating biomimetic tendons.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alicja Jagiello, Qingda Hu, Ulysses Castillo, Elliot Botvinick
Summary: Cells constantly interact with their extracellular matrix (ECM) and respond to biochemical and mechanical cues. However, understanding cell-ECM interactions has been challenging. This study presents a cell-safe method of patterned photocrosslinking to study mechanotransduction in 3D hydrogels. Photocrosslinking induces localized stiffness increase and fiber alignment, promoting directed cell migration. The usefulness of this method is validated through experiments with human breast cancer cells. The study emphasizes the importance of studying cell-ECM interactions in a more natural environment.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaochen Wang, Hangyu Li, Yu Zheng, Dongshi Guan, Aidan Wang, Qihui Fan, Yang Jiao, Fangfu Ye
Summary: The mechanical coupling between cells and extracellular matrix is crucial for the formation and dynamics of multicellular systems. By designing an in vitro experimental system, the authors found that the mechanical coupling between cells and ECM can induce cell aggregation and spreading behaviors, which are fundamentally different from cell monolayers. The reconstruction of collagen substrate into a dense fiber network structure enhances cell motility, while the weakening of fiber bundle formation within the hydrogel reduces cell movement. Moreover, cells can respond to the curvature and shape of the original cell population and form different aggregation patterns. These findings provide insight into the physical factors involved in collective cell organization and have implications for the development of biomaterials for new therapies and tissue engineering.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ghazi O. Bou Ghanem, Dmitry Koktysh, Robert O. Baratta, Brian J. Del Buono, Eric Schlumpf, Lauren K. Wareham, David J. Calkins
Summary: This study investigates the potential of collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) in repairing damaged collagen in ocular tissues. The results demonstrate that CMPs can restore the stiffness and structure of collagen in optic nerve head tissues, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for ocular disorders involving collagen remodeling and degradation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ziqiang Liu, Jiacheng Lai, Heng Jiang, Chengyuan Ma, Haiyan Huang
Summary: COL11A1 is upregulated in various cancers and is associated with tumor progression, poor prognosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and drug resistance. While the specific mechanism by which COL11A1 regulates tumor progression remains unclear, it shows potential as a target for cancer treatment.
Article
Physiology
Ridhi Sahani, C. Hunter Wallace, Brian K. Jones, Silvia S. Blemker
Summary: In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dysfunction of the diaphragm muscle leads to respiratory insufficiency. The accumulation of fibrotic tissue and changes in collagen organization contribute to increased muscle stiffness. Understanding the structure and mechanics of fibrotic tissue is crucial in predicting the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its impact on diaphragm muscle function.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jin Zhang, Jieya Liu, Hongying Zhang, Jiao Wang, Hui Hua, Yangfu Jiang
Summary: Collagens, as the main components of extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment, play crucial roles in tumor progression. Both fibrillar and nonfibrillar collagens are involved, with the nonfibrillar network-forming collagens, such as type IV and type VIII collagens, frequently overexpressed in human cancers, promoting tumor cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Umberto Bracale, Roberto Peltrini, Biancamaria Iacone, Mirko Martirani, Daniele Sannino, Antonio Gargiulo, Francesco Corcione, Raffaele Serra, Umberto Marcello Bracale
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between extracellular matrix disorders and abdominal wall hernias (AWHs) and the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The results showed that AWHs may be a disease of the extracellular matrix, supported by increased levels of MMPs in patients with AWHs. The study also highlighted the impact of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) on AWHs. More prospective studies are needed to confirm the relationship between these biomarkers and the risk of AWHs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Filiberto Serraino, Federica Jiritano, Davide Costa, Nicola Ielapi, Desiree Napolitano, Pasquale Mastroroberto, Umberto Marcello Bracale, Michele Andreucci, Raffaele Serra
Summary: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition characterized by altered collagen turnover of the extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are abnormally released in patients with HCM. This systematic review found that MMP levels, particularly MMP2, were higher in HCM patients compared to healthy subjects. MMPs can be used as biomarkers for HCM and for monitoring treatment outcomes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elke Pach, Maike Kuemper, Julia E. Fromme, Jan Zamek, Fabian Metzen, Manuel Koch, Cornelia Mauch, Paola Zigrino
Summary: The deletion of MMP14 in dermal fibroblasts leads to the deposition of an extracellular matrix that inhibits melanoma growth, with collagen XIV identified as a key regulator in melanoma progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Sidor, Frank Schnorrer
Summary: The study demonstrates that mechanical tension and a putative intracellular chaperone play roles in assembling the extracellular matrix protein Dumpy at fly tendon-skeleton interfaces.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alla Zorina, Vadim Zorin, Dmitry Kudlay, Pavel Kopnin
Summary: Skin aging is a multi-factorial process that involves impairment of skin structures and functions, particularly in the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to disrupted functioning of dermal fibroblasts (DFs). The integrity of the collagen matrix (CM) is crucial for proper adhesion and mechanical tension in DFs, allowing them to maintain collagen homeostasis. Impaired CM integrity disrupts mechanotransduction and impairs DF functioning, contributing to the progression of aging processes in skin tissues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Nemska, Simone Serio, Veronica Larcher, Giulia Beltrame, Nicola Marcello Portinaro, Marie-Louise Bang
Summary: Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder in children, caused by non-progressive brain lesions. RNA-sequencing analysis showed different gene expression patterns in CP patients undergoing tendon lengthening surgery, especially in tetraplegic patients. Overall, tetraplegic CP patients displayed increased collagen synthesis and ECM turnover, without activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Cyril Statzer, Ji Young Cecilia Park, Collin Y. Ewald
Summary: The biomechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) have recently been identified as a driving factor of aging. This review examines the age-related deterioration of ECM and its interactions with longevity interventions. It discusses the significance of ECM dynamics in relation to health, disease, and longevity. The article concludes that further research is needed to fully understand the role of ECM in aging and suggests that a conceptual framework for ECM biomechanics and homeostasis could provide new strategies to promote health during aging.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Samuel Alkmin, Manish S. Patankar, Paul J. Campagnola
Summary: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer due to poor screening and imaging tools as well as limited understanding of the tumor microenvironment. This study used multiphoton excited fabrication to create orthogonal models representing the collagen matrix morphology and stiffness of normal ovarian stroma and high grade serous ovarian cancers. The study found that fiber morphology and matrix stiffness play important roles in migration and cytoskeletal dynamics of normal and cancer cells, and cell-specific differences highlight the importance of presenting both morphology and stiffness cues.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juliana A. R. Moreira, Israel C. Vasconcelos, Jose L. Fachi, Viviane Theodoro, Rodrigo A. Dalia, Andrea A. Aro, Edson R. Pimentel, Fernanda O. G. Gaspi, Thiago A. M. Andrade, Maria E. C. Amaral, Marcelo A. M. Esquisatto, Fernanda A. S. Mendonca, Glaucia M. T. Santos
Summary: The combination therapy of Solidago chilensis and laser reduced inflammatory infiltrate and promoted angiogenesis in burns of diabetic rats. Laser or plant extract alone showed higher levels of VEGF. Low-level laser therapy increased collagen I and decreased collagen III, as well as activated MMP-2 and reduced active MMP-9 isoform.
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marina Barreto Felisbino, Mark Ziemann, Ishant Khurana, Jun Okabe, Keith Al-Hasani, Scott Maxwell, K. N. Harikrishnan, Camila Borges Martins de Oliveira, Maria Luiza S. Mello, Assam El-Osta
Summary: The study found that the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) can attenuate gene activation in hepatocytes under hyperglycaemia, and epigenetic regulation is involved in VPA action.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alessandra Bassani, Marina Amorim Rocha, Vera Lucia C. C. Rodrigues, Douglas S. Santos, Juliana Damieli Nascimento, Joao Aristeu da Rosa, Maria Luiza S. Mello
Summary: The study revealed that cultivation of T. infestans Malpighian tubules in vitro for 24 hours was insufficient for cell preservation even in the absence of the drug. Additionally, when VPA affects chromocenter heterochromatin in this animal cell model, it occurs through a pathway that excludes a classic global H3K9ac mark. Further investigation of nonhistone proteins associated with histone methylation marks is still needed to fully explain the differential response of T. infestans chromatin to VPA.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Stella Aparecida de Andrade Pinto, Francisco Jose de Nadai Dias, Guinea Brasil Camargo Cardoso, Arnaldo Rodrigues dos Santos Junior, Andrea Aparecida de Aro, Danilo Siqueira Pino, Damaris Helena Meneghetti, Rafael Pino Vitti, Glaucia Maria Tech dos Santos, Cecilia Amelia de Carvalho Zavaglia
Summary: The study found that the 5% and 10% PCL/β-TCP scaffolds showed promising results in repairing critical bone defects in the calvaria of Wistar rats, by modulating inflammation, angiogenesis, fibroplasia, and collagenosis.
CELLS TISSUES ORGANS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Carlos Henrique L. Imperador, Vera L. C. C. Rodrigues, Maria Luiza S. Mello
Summary: This study investigated the differences in chromosomal structure between Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma infestans, which are vectors of Chagas disease. It was found that the chromocenters in both species are located near the nuclear periphery, but this positioning is not directly related to gene silencing.
Review
Cell Biology
Maria Luiza S. Mello
Summary: Valproic acid/sodium valproate can affect chromatin remodeling by inducing histone acetylation and altering gene expression, ultimately modulating gene expression levels.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rogerio Marchete, Sarah Oliveira, Leonardo Bagne, Jennyffer Ione de Souza Silva, Ana Paula Valverde, Andrea Aparecida de Aro, Mariana Moreira Figueira, Marcio Fronza, Thaina Mikaela Bressam, Vivian Fernandes Furletti de Goes, Fernanda Oliveira de Gaspari de Gaspi, Glaucia Maria Tech dos Santos, Thiago Antonio Moretti Andrade
Summary: The extract of Alternanthera brasiliana exhibits important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, promoting angiogenesis and tissue formation, accelerating wound healing process.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Francyelle Borges Rosa de Moura, Bruno Antonio Ferreira, Simone Ramos Deconte, Breno Costa Landim, Allisson Benatti Justino, Andrea Aparecida de Aro, Foued Salmen Espindola, Rodney Alexandre Ferreira Rodrigues, Daniele Lisboa Ribeiro, Fernanda de Assis Araujo, Tatiana Carla Tomiosso
Summary: The hydroalcoholic extract of Maytenus ilicifolia leaves showed accelerated skin wound closure, anti-inflammatory effects, and increased collagen deposition. The phenolic compounds and tannins present in the plant may contribute to its healing activities, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for wound treatment.
JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cecilia do Amparo Manoel, Samara de Sousa Mariano, Ericsson da Silva Ramos, Fernanda Rossi Paolillo, Andrea Aparecida de Aro, Carolini Mendes, Ligia Milanez Venturini, Paulo Cesar Lock Silveira, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato, Thiago Antonio Moretti de Andrade
Summary: PBM and PDT have been found to be effective in treating skin lesions caused by electrocautery, reducing scarring and promoting tissue repair. These therapies work by controlling inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting angiogenesis and collagen formation.
JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Caroline Fernanda Sanches Dal Pozzo, Micheli Severo Sielski, Benedicto de Campos Vidal, Claudio C. Werneck, Cristina Pontes Vicente
Summary: The peptide p1158/59 was found to increase thrombus size and gelatinase activity, exacerbate vascular lesion, and not recover endothelial loss. It also promoted neointima growth and collagen birefringence, indicating collagen fibers reorganization. After 14 days, the peptide promoted increased re-endothelization and decreased gelatinase activity.
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Alexandre Veronez, Leticia Albertini Pires, Andrea Aparecida de Aro, Maria Esmeria Corezola do Amaral, Marcelo Augusto Marretto Esquisatto
Summary: The study found that physical exercise in water has a positive effect on the structural organization and chemical composition of fibrocartilage in the tendons of diabetic rats, helping to preserve tendon structure.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Damaris Helena Meneghetti, Leonardo Bagne, Stella Aparecida de Andrade Pinto, Cecilia Amelia de Carvalho Zavaglia, Maria Esmeria Corezola Amaral, Marcelo Augusto Maretto Esquisatto, Glaucia Maria Tech Dos Santos, Thiago Antonio Moretti de Andrade, Milton Santamaria, Guilherme Ferreira Caetano, Andrea Aparecida de Aro, Fernanda Aparecida Sampaio Mendonca
Summary: The combination of electrical stimulation and bone tissue engineering has been successful in bone regeneration. This study found that electrical stimulation combined with PCL + beta-TCP 5% scaffolds can control inflammation, promote blood vessel proliferation, and osteogenesis, making it a potentially promising strategy for bone defects regeneration.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Eli Heber Martins dos Anjos, Maria Luiza Silveira Mello, Benedicto de Campos Vidal
Summary: Polarization microscopy was used to evaluate the birefringence and linear dichroism characteristics of collagen bundles in rat calcaneal tendons cultured on different substrates. The results showed that tendon explants cultivated on plastic substrates exhibited structural remodeling of collagen bundles and irregular alignment, which may have facilitated cell migration from the lateral regions. This phenomenon was not observed in tendon explants cultivated on glass substrates.
Article
Cell Biology
Eli Heber Martins dos Anjos, Marina Amorim Rocha, Benedicto de Campos Vidal, Maria Luiza Silveira Mello
Summary: Sodium valproate (VPA) induces chromatin remodeling by inhibiting histone deacetylases and promoting DNA demethylation. It causes heterochromatin decondensation in Triatoma infestans, but this is not due to histone acetylation. Instead, VPA promotes DNA demethylation, leading to chromatin remodeling in euchromatin.
Review
Microbiology
Maria Luiza S. Mello
Summary: This review highlights the cellular processes and epigenetic characteristics of Triatoma infestans, an important vector of Chagas disease. These processes include somatic polyploidy, nuclear phenotypic diversification, heterochromatin compartmentalization, chromatin remodeling, co-occurrence of necrosis and apoptosis, and response to valproic acid. Despite the limitations of insect supply and drug injection, T. infestans serves as an attractive model for cellular research.
Article
Microscopy
Shengli Zhang, Ying Wang, Bowei Wang, Yi Zeng, Jiani Li, Xingyue Wang, Cuihua Hu, Zhankun Weng, Zuobin Wang
Summary: Curcumin was found to have effects on the activity, migration, and mitochondrial membrane potential of malignant hepatocytes and their mitochondria. The findings from both optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies confirm these effects on cell morphology and biomechanics.
Article
Microscopy
Rutika Sansaria, Krishanu Dey Das, Alwin Poulose
Summary: This paper presents a method for quantifying Golgi dispersion images and classifying them using machine learning models. By applying automated image processing and segmentation, extracting features, and using different classifiers, accurate classification of Golgi images is achieved.
Article
Microscopy
Marjorie da Silva, Cintia Eleonora Lopes Justino, Fernando Henrique Carnimeo, Fernando Barbosa Noll, Johan Billen
Summary: This article describes the secretory glands in females of two species of Myzinum and discusses their homology with other glands in the Hymenoptera order. The study finds that the three glands, instead of the commonly believed two, are present in Myzinum species. However, the limited research on the structure, function, and evolution of female accessory glands in Hymenoptera prevents conclusive statements.
Article
Microscopy
Ping Hao, Wen Yin, Xi Chen, Shuangshuang Qin, Yue Yu, Yuan Yuan, Xiaoyu Quan, Bing Hu, Shouhai Chen, Yi Wu
Summary: This study confirmed the secretion of nano-scale exosomes-multivesicular bodies and the interaction of high endothelial cells (HECs) with lysosomes and mitochondria in the small intestine of laying birds. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed the strong immunoreactivity of exosome-related proteins and autophagic-related proteins in the lamina propria of the small intestine. These findings reveal an innovative communication method among HECs in the small intestine.
Article
Microscopy
Stefan Talu, Robert S. Matos, Henrique Duarte da Fonseca Filho, Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Carmen Steluta Ciobanu, Liliana Ghegoiu
Summary: This study developed composite layers based on magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite and chitosan, and demonstrated their good biocompatibility and antifungal effects against osteosarcoma cells. The attachment and growth of the cells on the composite layers were promoted, while the growth of Candida albicans was inhibited. The morphological analysis revealed complex 3D patterns on the cancer cell surfaces on the magnesium-containing composite layers.
