Article
Biophysics
Mingyue Fan, Chao Wang, Bryan Kwok, Elizabeth R. Kahle, Lan He, X. Lucas Lu, Robert L. Mauck, Lin Han
Summary: Aging is the main risk factor for osteoarthritis, but the exact cause of aging-associated cartilage degeneration is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that cell-matrix interactions play a crucial role in cartilage homeostasis and disease.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elizabeth R. Kahle, Biao Han, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Evan R. Phillips, Mary K. Mulcahey, X. Lucas Lu, Michele S. Marcolongo, Lin Han
Summary: Molecular engineering using synthetic mimics of native matrix molecules can modulate the mechanical properties of cellular microenvironment and influence cell mechanobiology. This study demonstrated the use of biomimetic proteoglycans (BPGs) to engineer the micromechanics of the pericellular matrix (PCM) in cartilage, leading to enhanced cellular mechanotransduction. The interactions between BPGs and the native PCM were facilitated by the biomimetic ultrastructure of BPGs, and showed potential for improving tissue regeneration and disease modification in various cell types.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Zhang, Nan Meng, Xiaoxiao Wang, Weiyi Chen, Quanyou Zhang
Summary: This review discusses the important roles of mechanosensitive ion channels, TRPV4 and PIEZOs, in chondrocyte sensing of mechanical and inflammatory cues. It highlights their involvement in regulating diverse chondrocyte functions and cellular behaviors in the biomechanical microenvironment.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Karl J. Lewis
Summary: Osteocytes, as embedded dendritic bone cells, act as resident bone mechanosensors that coordinate bone building and resorbing cells in response to mechanical loading. While the mechanisms of osteocyte calcium signaling in response to mechanical forces have been well studied, the encoding of loading parameters at the cellular level remains incompletely understood. Calcium signaling is recognized as the first messenger signal exhibited by osteocytes in response to mechanical forces, providing insight into how these cells respond to tissue level strain features.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bin Li, Arzu Colak, Johanna Blass, Mitchell Han, Jingnan Zhang, Yijun Zheng, Qiyang Jiang, Roland Bennewitz, Aranzazu del Campo
Summary: Studying cells' response to the macroscopic and nanoscale properties of biomaterials requires model systems with different length scales. IPN design can offer insights into cell adhesion and spreading behaviors, presenting different mechanical cues at the molecular scale but similar properties at the macroscopic length scale. Cells adhered to the IPN guest network with lower molecular stiffness exhibited distinct characteristics compared to those attached to the single network.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Ashwini Shinde, Kavitha Illath, Pallavi Gupta, Pallavi Shinde, Ki-Taek Lim, Moeto Nagai, Tuhin Subhra Santra
Summary: Cells exert, sense, and respond to physical forces through diverse mechanisms, translating them into biochemical signals. Cell adhesion plays a crucial role in development, maintaining tissue morphogenesis and activating critical signaling pathways. Understanding cell adhesion regulation during development and its contribution to diseases with quantitative methods is essential.
Article
Biophysics
Masumeh Kazemi, John L. Williams
Summary: The study found that cell strain and fluid shear stress on the cell surface may provide mechanoregulatory signals in the reserve zone. The dependence of cell-level strains and cell surface fluid shear stress on strain rate and tissue depth may offer mechanoregulatory cues in the reserve zone.
BIOMECHANICS AND MODELING IN MECHANOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Winni Gao, Hamza Hasan, Devon E. Anderson, Whasil Lee
Summary: Mechanical factors and chondrocyte mechanotransduction play critical roles in the pathogenesis of joint disorders like osteoarthritis, with potential therapeutic strategies targeting mechanotransducers to prevent progressive cartilage degeneration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jacob M. Hope, Jenna A. Dombroski, Rebecca S. Pereles, Maria Lopez-Cavestany, Joshua D. Greenlee, Samantha C. Schwager, Cynthia A. Reinhart-King, Michael R. King
Summary: This study enhances the activation of T cells through mechanical means and finds that fluid shear stress treatment can increase the activation of signaling proteins and cytokine expression in T cells. These results reveal a new dynamic to T cell activation and suggest a potential pathophysiological relationship between T cell activation and fluid shear stress.
Article
Orthopedics
B. A. C. Housmans, M. Neefjes, D. A. M. Surtel, M. Vitik, A. Cremers, L. W. van Rhijn, P. M. van der Kraan, G. G. H. van den Akker, T. J. M. Welting
Summary: This study investigated the effects of osteoarthritic synovial fluid on human articular chondrocytes and found that it promoted chondrocyte fibrosis and proliferation through EGF receptor activation and downstream MAPK and RhoGTPase signaling pathways.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
B. A. C. Housmans, G. G. H. van den Akker, M. Neefjes, U. T. Timur, A. Cremers, M. J. Peffers, M. M. J. Caron, L. W. van Rhijn, P. J. Emans, T. A. E. J. Boymans, P. Z. Feczko, P. M. van der Kraan, T. J. M. Welting
Summary: This study compared the essential chondrocyte signaling signatures of non-osteoarthritic and endstage osteoarthritic knee synovial fluid. Osteoarthritic synovial fluid was found to be enriched in cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that activate MAPK, AKT, and NFKB signaling pathways in chondrocytes. These pathway signatures led to chondrocyte dedifferentiation, fibrosis, inflammatory response, matrix degradation, and proliferation.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zaid Rahman, Ankur Deep Bordoloi, Haifa Rouhana, Margherita Tavasso, Gerard van der Zon, Valeria Garbin, Peter ten Dijke, Pouyan E. Boukany
Summary: Research has found that cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment use mechanotransduction pathways to convert biophysical forces into biochemical signals, contributing to increased motility and invasion. Using a 3D-matrix based microfluidic platform, scientists have demonstrated that interstitial flow enhances the signaling activity and expression of mesenchymal marker in lung cancer spheroids induced by exogenous TGF-beta, resulting in increased cell motility.
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)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daphney R. Chery, Biao Han, Ying Zhou, Chao Wang, Sheila M. Adams, Prashant Chandrasekaran, Bryan Kwok, Su-Jin Heo, Motomi Enomoto-Iwamoto, X. Lu, Dehan Kong, Renato V. Iozzo, David E. Birk, Robert L. Mauck, Lin Han
Summary: This study identified decorin as a key determinant of cartilage pericellular matrix micromechanics and chondrocyte mechanotransduction. The absence of decorin in murine cartilage resulted in reduced micromodulus of the pericellular matrix and impaired chondrocyte mechanotransduction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaopeng Fan, Renjian Xie, Wenjing Song, Kunfu Ouyang, Li Ren
Summary: Bionic mimics using natural cartilage matrix molecules can improve the microenvironment of chondrocytes and modulate their metabolic activity, making it a promising treatment for osteoarthritis. However, the unknown mechanism of action of the bionic brush polymer HA/PX hinders its clinical translation.
Article
Cell Biology
Serafina G. Lopez, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This article focuses on the roles of proteoglycans in fibrocartilage and their importance in collagen fibrillogenesis and extracellular matrix assembly. The expression levels of proteoglycans change throughout development, aging, and degeneration, with different proteoglycans playing crucial roles in tissue structure and mechanical function. The distribution of proteoglycans in fibrocartilaginous tissues reflects the unique relationship between structure and function, which is essential for the success of these tissues and may inform future research on fibrocartilage replacement using tissue engineered constructs.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Leigh Slyker, Nicole Diamantides, Jongkil Kim, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study investigates the compositional, mechanical, and structural differences between collagen gels sourced from different origins and processed using different methods. It was found that gel mechanics and gelation kinetics varied significantly depending on the collagen source and processing method, with differences correlating with variations in composition. Results showed that telopeptide-containing collagens had higher storage modulus and faster gelation compared to atelocollagens, despite lower purity levels.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pancy Lwin, Andrew Sindermann, Leo Sutter, Thomas Wyse Jackson, Lawrence Bonassar, Itai Cohen, Moumita Das
Summary: The study reveals that in a double network model, when the primary network is close to its rigidity percolation threshold, stress relaxation and mechanical reinforcement can be achieved by tuning the density of the secondary network; while when the primary network is far above its rigidity threshold, the double network will always remain stiff and brittle.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sertac Kirnaz, Sunidhi Singh, Charisse Capadona, Marianne Lintz, Jacob L. Goldberg, Lynn B. McGrath, Branden Medary, Fabian Sommer, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Roger Hartl
Summary: Low back pain is often associated with degenerative disc disease, and biological treatment approaches like cell injections have shown promising results. However, challenges such as managing disc cells and the microenvironment of intervertebral discs need to be overcome for long-term safety and efficacy.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Wyse Jackson, Jonathan Michel, Pancy Lwin, Lisa A. Fortier, Moumita Das, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Itai Cohen
Summary: This study presents experiments and theory that explain the structural origins of the shear properties of articular cartilage through the mechanical interdependence of collagen and aggrecan networks in its extracellular matrix. The study also highlights the importance of slight changes in collagen and aggrecan concentrations near the cartilage surface, which can significantly weaken its modulus and potentially lead to tissue collapse.
Article
Orthopedics
Karan Vishwanath, Scott R. McClure, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study characterized the lubricating ability of pAAm hydrogel and revealed its effectiveness in lubricating both native and degraded cartilage explants, suggesting an affinity for the articulating surface of the cartilage.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jongkil Kim, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study demonstrates the profound effects of gelation pH on cellular activity, collagen fibril structure, and mechanical properties of collagen gels. Acidic and basic gelation pH resulted in cell death, while neutral pH showed a relatively high cell viability. Physiologic gelation pH displayed the greatest collagen deposition, and collagen fibril structure was affected by gelation pH. The gelation pH also influenced the equilibrium modulus of the gels.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingyang Zheng, Thomas Wyse Jackson, Lisa A. Fortier, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Michelle L. Delco, Itai Cohen
Summary: Cellular response to stimulation plays a crucial role in tissue processes, and understanding how cells coordinate their response is essential. Researchers have developed a tool called STRAINS that combines fluorescent micrographs, cell tracking, and machine learning to measure the spatiotemporal distribution of cell behaviors in tissue. They used STRAINS to analyze the mechanotransduction response of chondrocytes in cartilage after mechanical injury, revealing distinct biochemical pathways and spatial patterns of cellular response.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Serafina G. Lopez, Jongkil Kim, Lara A. Estroff, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: In this study, the researchers removed proteoglycans (GAGs) from collagen gel-based tissue engineered constructs using chondroitinase ABC (cABC) and found that it improved collagen fiber alignment and mechanical properties without compromising compressive strength. The increased fiber organization also appeared to prevent the propagation of large defects under loading. This study provides a new method of modulating the extracellular matrix for improved collagen fiber formation and mechanical properties in tissue engineered constructs.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Matthew L. Tan, Niaa Jenkins-Johnston, Sarah Huang, Brittany Schutrum, Sandra Vadhin, Abhinav Adhikari, Rebecca M. Williams, Warren R. Zipfel, Jan Lammerding, Jeffrey D. Varner, Claudia Fischbach
Summary: Endothelial cells promote breast cancer invasion into the stroma by reprogramming tumor cell metabolism. They secrete pro-migratory factors that direct tumor cells towards microvessels, and restricting glucose availability reduces tumor cell invasion.
APL BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Michel, Gabriel Von Kessel, Thomas Wyse Jackson, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Itai Cohen, Moumita Das
Summary: Previous studies have focused on spatially homogeneous variation in concentration while ignoring structural correlation. This study introduces a model in which dilute fiber networks are built in a correlated manner, enabling tissues to attain rigidity with less material. The study also finds that the percolation threshold varies nonmonotonically with the degree of correlation.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
B. Kim, I. Cohen, L. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
S. G. Lopez, L. J. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
A. A. Matavosian, J. Matthews, L. J. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
L. Slyker, L. J. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuri Nagaoka, Kotone Oshiro, Yuta Yoshino, Toshiyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Endo, Akira Ikari
Summary: This study investigated the effect of intercellular adhesion molecule CLDN1 on the anticancer drug sensitivity of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. It was found that overexpression of CLDN1 decreased the sensitivity of SCLC cells to anticancer drugs and enhanced their migratory capacity through the activation of the TGF-81/EMT signaling pathway. Treatment with EMT inhibitors showed potential in overcoming the reduced sensitivity to anticancer drugs in CLDN1-overexpressing SCLC cells.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2024)
