Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chang Liu, Michael Mak
Summary: Research shows that fibroblasts can increase the motility of tumor cells and facilitate the transition of tumor cells from confined to diffusive motion. When coexisting with fibroblasts, the ECM undergoes substantial global and local remodeling. These phenomena are partly dependent on matrix metalloproteinases.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
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)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuai Wu, Qiji Ze, Jize Dai, Nupur Udipi, Glaucio H. Paulino, Ruike Zhao
Summary: Inspired by the embodied intelligence observed in octopus arms, magnetically controlled origami robotic arms based on Kresling patterns have been introduced for multimodal deformations, including stretching, folding, omnidirectional bending, and twisting. The highly integrated motion of the robotic arms is attributed to the reconfigurable Kresling unit, achieved through precise magnetic actuation. This technology enables the development of robotic arms that mimic the grasping and manipulation functions of octopus arms, with great potential for various applications.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiyue Tang, Kaiqi Ye, Hongyu Zhang
Summary: This study reports a centimeter-long organic crystal that exhibits two-dimensional elastic bending and reconfigurable plastic twisting deformations. The crystal can be bent elastically at both room temperature and ultralow temperatures, and can be manually twisted and reconfigured into different structures. By integrating low-temperature resistance and reconfigurable plastic deformations into one organic crystal, it expands the application perspectives of crystal flexibility.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(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)
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)
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
Engineering, Biomedical
Chunxi Ge, Yiming Li, Fashuai Wu, Peter Ma, Renny T. Franceschi
Summary: Skeletal progenitor cells rely on collagen-binding integrins and discoidin domain receptors (DDR1 and DDR2) as collagen receptors for bone development and regeneration. This study evaluated specific triple helical peptides containing GFOGER and GVMGFO binding domains to stimulate DDR2 and integrin signaling, as well as osteoblast differentiation. The combination of these peptides cooperatively enhanced both DDR2 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling, leading to increased osteoblast differentiation. This finding suggests that scaffolds containing DDR and integrin-activating peptides could be a new approach for promoting bone regeneration.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Ji Young Cecilia Park, Aaron King, Victor Bjork, Bradley W. English, Alexander Fedintsev, Collin Y. Ewald
Summary: The extracellular matrix (ECM), an important component of the human body, undergoes changes with age that can lead to age-related diseases and mortality. Despite its significance, ECM aging is understudied in the field of geroscience. This review discusses the concept of ECM integrity, age-related challenges and pathologies, diagnostic methods, and strategies for maintaining ECM homeostasis, providing a framework for future research on interventions to restore ECM integrity and promote healthy aging.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mariana Reis, Yvette Alania, Ariene Leme-Kraus, Robert Free, Derk Joester, Weikang Ma, Thomas Irving, Ana K. Bedran-Russo
Summary: Aging has a profound impact on the biology and function of human teeth. The stiffness of root dentin increases with age, but its ability to dissipate energy during deformation does not decay. The damping factor of the organic matrix deteriorates with age. Altered matrix-mineral interactions and changes in glycosaminoglycans may counteract the negative effects of aging on the structural components of the extracellular matrix.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pilar Rodriguez-Franco, Agusti Brugues, Ariadna Marin-Llaurado, Vito Conte, Guiomar Solanas, Eduard Batlle, Jeffrey J. Fredberg, Pere Roca-Cusachs, Raimon Sunyer, Xavier Trepat
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Haiyue Li, Bin Xu, Enhua H. Zhou, Raimon Sunyer, Yanhang Zhang
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2017)
Article
Biophysics
Jorge Escribano, Raimon Sunyer, Maria Teresa Sanchez, Xavier Trepat, Pere Roca-Cusachs, Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
BIOMECHANICS AND MODELING IN MECHANOBIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Cell Biology
Poonam Sehgal, Xinyu Kong, Jun Wu, Raimon Sunyer, Xavier Trepat, Deborah Leckband
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2018)
Article
Biophysics
Jeffrey M. Mattson, Yunjie Wang, Yanhang Zhang
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xunjie Yu, Raphael Turcotte, Francesca Seta, Yanhang Zhang
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xunjie Yu, Bela Suki, Yanhang Zhang
Article
Biophysics
Ruizhi Wang, Xunjie Yu, Yanhang Zhang
Summary: The study investigates the contributions of arterial elastin and collagen fibers to interlamellar bonding through mechanical testing, multiphoton imaging, and finite element modeling. Results show that both fibers play a crucial role in maintaining interlamellar integrity, with collagen having a higher impact on stiffness, strength, and toughness. Additionally, the in-plane anisotropy of fiber distributions is identified as a potential mechanism for direction-dependent phenomena observed in peeling tests.
BIOMECHANICS AND MODELING IN MECHANOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. Wang, X. Yu, A. Gkousioudi, Y. Zhang
Summary: The study investigates the effects of glycation on interlamellar bonding properties of arterial elastin, showing that glycation enhances energy release rate, strength, and failure strain of elastin, contributing to a reduced risk of arterial dissection. The cohesive zone model effectively describes the interlamellar bonding properties of arterial elastin.
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xunjie Yu, Yanhang Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the role of inter-fiber crosslinks in determining the mechanical properties of fibrous networks. A model of arterial elastin network is developed to study the contribution of inter-fiber crosslinking properties and density to the mechanics and fiber kinematics of the network. The results suggest that inter-fiber crosslinking properties are important to the mechanics and fiber kinematics of the ECM network.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ruizhi Wang, Jeffrey M. Mattson, Yanhang Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical properties of the human descending thoracic aorta with aging and the role of collagen crosslinking. The results showed that the aorta stiffens with aging, especially in the longitudinal direction, leading to altered anisotropy. The constitutive modeling results suggested that excessive collagen crosslinking contributes to aortic stiffening through increased strain energy density.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Samuel Halvorsen, Ruizhi Wang, Yanhang Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the structure and mechanics of the ligamentum nuchae, particularly focusing on the contributions of elastin and collagen fibers to the tissue's nonlinear stress-strain behavior. The findings suggest that the intact tissue exhibits a significant stiffening behavior due to collagen engagement, while purified elastin tissue follows a similar stress-stretch response initially. The study also develops a transversely isotropic constitutive model to describe the mechanical behavior of both intact and purified elastin tissue. These findings provide insights into the roles of elastin and collagen fibers in tissue mechanics and have potential implications for tissue grafting using ligamentum nuchae.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Taisiya Sigaeva, Yanhang Zhang
Summary: Understanding how homeostatic stress state is reached in arterial tissues can provide insights into vascular physiology. A recent study revealed that structural heterogeneity in elastic lamellae plays an important role in dictating transmural stress distribution and arterial wall homeostasis. The study proposes a novel approach to model elastic lamellae and demonstrates its impact on arterial wall physiology.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Anastasia Gkousioudi, Taisiya Sigaeva, Xunjie Yu, Francesca Seta, Richard Wainford, Yanhang Zhang
Summary: Healthy arteries adapt to mechanical stimuli to maintain mechanical homeostasis, but aging may disrupt this homeostasis. Our study found that aging leads to uneven unfolding of elastic lamellae, resulting in uneven lamellar stretching, increased stress gradient, and a shift in load-bearing to the adventitia.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)