scholarly journals Osteocyte Characterization on Polydimethylsiloxane Substrates for Microsystems Applications

Author(s):  
Spencer L. York ◽  
Ahmad R. Arida ◽  
Karan S. Shah ◽  
Palaniappan Sethu ◽  
Marnie M. Saunders

In the body, osteocytes reside in lacunae, lenticular shaped cavities within mineralized bone. These cells are linked to each other and surface-residing osteoblasts via physical channels known as gap junctions. It has been suggested that osteocytes sense mechanical load applied to bone and relay that signal to osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Currentin vitroandin vivomodels of mechanotransduction face temporal and spatial barriers. Recent advances in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfabrication techniques may be able to overcome some of these hurdles. However, before the bone research field can effectively utilize microsystems techniques, fundamental groundwork must be completed. This study characterized the behaviour of osteocytes on PDMS coated with collagen type I (CTI) and provides the framework for bone cell mechanotransduction studies using microsystems. The goal was to determine whether osteocytes were adversely affected by the substrate material by comparing their behaviour to a standard glass substrate. In addition, optimal culture conditions and time points for growing osteocytes on PDMS substrates were determined. Results of this study suggested that use of PDMS does not adversely affect osteocyte behaviour. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that osteocytes should be cultured for no less than 72 hours prior to experimentation to allow the establishment and maintenance of phenotypic characteristics. These results completed essential groundwork necessary for further studies regarding osteocytes in microsystems modelling utilizing PDMS.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Britani N. Blackstone ◽  
Summer C. Gallentine ◽  
Heather M. Powell

Collagen is a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in organs and tissues throughout the body and is used for many tissue engineering applications. Electrospinning of collagen can produce scaffolds in a wide variety of shapes, fiber diameters and porosities to match that of the native ECM. This systematic review aims to pool data from available manuscripts on electrospun collagen and tissue engineering to provide insight into the connection between source material, solvent, crosslinking method and functional outcomes. D-banding was most often observed in electrospun collagen formed using collagen type I isolated from calfskin, often isolated within the laboratory, with short solution solubilization times. All physical and chemical methods of crosslinking utilized imparted resistance to degradation and increased strength. Cytotoxicity was observed at high concentrations of crosslinking agents and when abbreviated rinsing protocols were utilized. Collagen and collagen-based scaffolds were capable of forming engineered tissues in vitro and in vivo with high similarity to the native structures.


Author(s):  
Michel Haagdorens ◽  
Elle Edin ◽  
Per Fagerholm ◽  
Marc Groleau ◽  
Zvi Shtein ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To determine feasibility of plant-derived recombinant human collagen type I (RHCI) for use in corneal regenerative implants Methods RHCI was crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to form hydrogels. Application of shear force to liquid crystalline RHCI aligned the collagen fibrils. Both aligned and random hydrogels were evaluated for mechanical and optical properties, as well as in vitro biocompatibility. Further evaluation was performed in vivo by subcutaneous implantation in rats and corneal implantation in Göttingen minipigs. Results Spontaneous crosslinking of randomly aligned RHCI (rRHCI) formed robust, transparent hydrogels that were sufficient for implantation. Aligning the RHCI (aRHCI) resulted in thicker collagen fibrils forming an opaque hydrogel with insufficient transverse mechanical strength for surgical manipulation. rRHCI showed minimal inflammation when implanted subcutaneously in rats. The corneal implants in minipigs showed that rRHCI hydrogels promoted regeneration of corneal epithelium, stroma, and nerves; some myofibroblasts were seen in the regenerated neo-corneas. Conclusion Plant-derived RHCI was used to fabricate a hydrogel that is transparent, mechanically stable, and biocompatible when grafted as corneal implants in minipigs. Plant-derived collagen is determined to be a safe alternative to allografts, animal collagens, or yeast-derived recombinant human collagen for tissue engineering applications. The main advantage is that unlike donor corneas or yeast-produced collagen, the RHCI supply is potentially unlimited due to the high yields of this production method. Lay Summary A severe shortage of human-donor corneas for transplantation has led scientists to develop synthetic alternatives. Here, recombinant human collagen type I made of tobacco plants through genetic engineering was tested for use in making corneal implants. We made strong, transparent hydrogels that were tested by implanting subcutaneously in rats and in the corneas of minipigs. We showed that the plant collagen was biocompatible and was able to stably regenerate the corneas of minipigs comparable to yeast-produced recombinant collagen that we previously tested in clinical trials. The advantage of the plant collagen is that the supply is potentially limitless.


2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (3) ◽  
pp. G219-G227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonie Beljaars ◽  
Sara Daliri ◽  
Christa Dijkhuizen ◽  
Klaas Poelstra ◽  
Reinoud Gosens

WNT-5A is a secreted growth factor that belongs to the noncanonical members of the Wingless-related MMTV-integration family. Previous studies pointed to a connection between WNT-5A and the fibrogenic factor TGF-β warranting further studies into the functional role of WNT-5A in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we studied WNT-5A expressions in mouse and human fibrotic livers and examined the relation between WNT-5A and various fibrosis-associated growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins. WNT-5A gene and protein expressions were significantly increased in fibrotic mouse and human livers compared with healthy livers. Regression or therapeutic intervention in mice resulted in decreased hepatic WNT-5A levels paralleled by lower collagen levels. Immunohistochemical analysis showed WNT-5A staining in fibrotic septa colocalizing with desmin staining indicating WNT-5A expression in myofibroblasts. In vitro studies confirmed WNT-5A expression in this cell type and showed that TGF-β significantly enhanced WNT-5A expression in contrast to PDGF-BB and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Additionally, TGF-β induces the expression of the WNT receptors FZD2 and FZD8. After silencing of WNT-5A, reduced levels of collagen type I, vimentin, and fibronectin in TGF-β-stimulated myofibroblasts were measured compared with nonsilencing siRNA-treated controls. Interestingly, the antifibrotic cytokine IFNγ suppressed WNT-5A in vitro and in vivo. IFNγ-treated fibrotic mice showed significantly less WNT-5A expression compared with untreated fibrotic mice. In conclusion, WNT-5A paralleled collagen I levels in fibrotic mouse and human livers. WNT-5A expression in myofibroblasts is induced by the profibrotic factor TGF-β and plays an important role in TGF-β-induced regulation of fibrotic matrix proteins, whereas its expression can be reversed upon treatment, both in vitro and in vivo. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes the localization and functional role of WNT-5A in human and mouse fibrotic livers. Hepatic WNT-5A expression parallels collagen type I expression. In vivo and in vitro, the myofibroblasts were identified as the key hepatic cells producing WNT-5A. WNT-5A is under control of TGF-β and its activities are primarily profibrotic.


2000 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 2498-2507 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Peake ◽  
L. M. Cooling ◽  
J. L. Magnay ◽  
P. B. M. Thomas ◽  
A. J. El Haj

The regulatory pathways involved in the rapid response of the AP-1 transcription factor, c- fos, to mechanical load in human primary osteoblast-like (HOB) cells and the human MG-63 bone cell line were investigated using a four-point bending model. HOB and MG-63 cells showed upregulation of c- fos expression on fibronectin and collagen type I substrates; however, MG-63 cells did not respond on laminin YIGSR substrates. Addition of cytochalasin D and Arg-Gly-Asp peptides during loading did not inhibit the response, whereas addition of β1-integrin antibodies inhibited the load response. The role of Ca2+ signaling has been demonstrated by blocking upregulation with addition of 2 mM EGTA, which chelates extracellular Ca2+, and gadolinium (10 μM), which inhibits stretch-activated channels. Addition of the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 induced upregulation without loading; however, addition of nifedipine (10 μM), the L-type channel blocker, failed to prevent the load response. Inhibitors of downstream pathways indicated the involvement of protein kinase C. Our results demonstrate a key involvement of Ca2+ signaling pathways and integrin binding in the c- fos response to mechanical strain.


2015 ◽  
Vol 309 (8) ◽  
pp. C541-C550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla P. Carneiro de Morais ◽  
Juliano Z. Polidoro ◽  
Donna L. Ralph ◽  
Thaissa D. Pessoa ◽  
Maria Oliveira-Souza ◽  
...  

Physiological concentrations of angiotensin II (ANG II) upregulate the activity of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) in the renal proximal tubule through activation of the ANG II type I (AT1) receptor/G protein-coupled signaling. This effect is key for maintenance of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis and blood pressure. Recent findings have shown that selective activation of the beta-arrestin-biased AT1 receptor signaling pathway induces diuresis and natriuresis independent of G protein-mediated signaling. This study tested the hypothesis that activation of this AT1 receptor/beta-arrestin signaling inhibits NHE3 activity in proximal tubule. To this end, we determined the effects of the compound TRV120023, which binds to the AT1R, blocks G-protein coupling, and stimulates beta-arrestin signaling on NHE3 function in vivo and in vitro. NHE3 activity was measured in both native proximal tubules, by stationary microperfusion, and in opossum proximal tubule (OKP) cells, by Na+-dependent intracellular pH recovery. We found that 10−7 M TRV120023 remarkably inhibited proximal tubule NHE3 activity both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, stimulation of NHE3 by ANG II was completely suppressed by TRV120023 both in vivo as well as in vitro. Inhibition of NHE3 activity by TRV120023 was associated with a decrease in NHE3 surface expression in OKP cells and with a redistribution from the body to the base of the microvilli in the rat proximal tubule. These findings indicate that biased signaling of the beta-arrestin pathway through the AT1 receptor inhibits NHE3 activity in the proximal tubule at least in part due to changes in NHE3 subcellular localization.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 467-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rethinam Senthil ◽  
Robert Berly ◽  
Thimmiah Bhargavi Ram ◽  
Nallathambi Gobi

Purpose: In this study, a blend of synthetic polymer (poly(vinyl) alcohol), natural polymer (collagen type I from fish bone), and graphene oxide nanoparticles is used to fabricate a composite nanofibrous scaffold, by electrospinning, for their potential application in accelerated wound healing. Methods: The scaffold was characterized for its physicochemical and mechanical properties. In vitro studies were carried out using human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) which proved the biocompatibility of the scaffold. In vivo study using mice model was carried out and the healing pattern was evaluated using histopathological studies. Results: Scaffold prepared from poly(vinyl) alcohol, collagen type I from fish bone, and graphene oxide possessed better physicochemical and mechanical properties. In addition, in vivo and in vitro studies showed its accelerated wound healing properties. Conclusion: The scaffold with required strength and biocompatibility may be tried as a wound dressing material in large animals after getting necessary approval.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haniel A Araujo ◽  
Leonardo Y Tanaka ◽  
Gustavo K Hironaka ◽  
Thais L Araujo ◽  
Celso K Takimura ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Vascular remodeling orchestrates a complex network of signaling pathways responsible for pathological changes in many vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. We investigated the role of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) and the extracellular PDI (ecPDI) pool in vascular caliber and architecture during vascular repair and remodeling after injury (AI). METHODS AND RESULTS: After rabbit iliac artery balloon injury, PDI is markedly increased at mRNA and protein levels (25-fold vs. basal 14 days AI), with increase in both intracellular and ecPDI. Silencing PDI by siRNA in vitro induced ER stress markers upregulation and apoptosis (assessed by TUNEL assay). PDI knockdown also upregulated proliferation marker PCNA and decreased differentiation marker calponin-C. Furthermore, ecPDI inhibition prevents injury-increased hydrogen peroxide generation and decreases arterial nitrate (NO3-) level. EcPDI neutralization in vivo with PDIAb-containing perivascular gel from days 12-14AI promoted 25% decrease in vascular caliber at arteriography and similar decreases in total vessel circumference at optical coherence tomography, without changing neointima, indicating increased constrictive remodeling. EcPDI neutralization promoted striking changes in collagen, with switch from circumferential to radial fiber orientation towards a more rigid fiber type. Collagen type I and III were decreased after ecPDI inhibition in arteries 14 days AI. Cytoskeleton architecture was also disrupted, with loss of stress fiber coherent organization and switch from thin to medium-thickness actin fibers. In human coronary atheromas, PDI expression inversely correlated with constrictive remodeling. There was decreased PDI expression in media and intima from plaques exhibiting constrictive remodeling and, conversely, enhanced PDI expression in media of plaques depicting outward remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, PDI is highly upregulated after injury and reshapes matrix and cytoskeleton architecture to support an anticonstrictive remodeling effect. Such findings suggest an important role for PDI in lumen maintenance during vascular remodeling.


2000 ◽  
Vol 167 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
SU Singh ◽  
RF Casper ◽  
PC Fritz ◽  
B Sukhu ◽  
B Ganss ◽  
...  

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands are environmental contaminants found in cigarette smoke and other sources of air pollution. The prototypical compound is TCDD (2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin), also known as dioxin. There is an increasing body of knowledge linking cigarette smoking to osteoporosis and periodontal disease, but the direct effects of smoke-associated aryl hydrocarbons on bone are not well understood. Through the use of resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a plant antifungal compound that we have recently demonstrated to be a pure AhR antagonist, we have investigated the effects of TCDD on osteogenesis. It was postulated that TCDD would inhibit osteogenesis in bone-forming cultures and that this inhibition would be antagonized by resveratrol. We employed the chicken periosteal osteogenesis (CPO) model, which has been shown to form bone in vitro in a pattern morphologically and biochemically similar to that seen in vivo, as well as a rat stromal cell bone nodule formation model. In the CPO model, alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity was reduced by up to 50% (P<0.01 vs control) in the presence of 10(-9) M TCDD and these effects were reversed by 10(-6) M resveratrol (P<0.05 vs TCDD alone). TCDD-mediated inhibition of osteogenesis was restricted primarily to the osteoblastic differentiation phase (days 0-2) as later addition did not appear to have any effects. Message levels for important bone-associated proteins (in the CPO model) such as collagen type I, osteopontin, bone sialoprotein and AP were inhibited by TCDD, an effect that was antagonized by resveratrol. Similar findings were obtained using the rat stromal bone cell line. TCDD (at concentrations as low as 10(-10)M) caused an approximately 33% reduction in AP activity, which was abrogated by 3. 5x10(-7) M resveratrol. TCDD also induced a marked reduction in mineralization ( approximately 75%) which was completely antagonized by resveratrol. These data suggest that AhR ligands inhibit osteogenesis probably through inhibition of osteodifferentiation and that this effect can be antagonized by resveratrol. Since high levels of AhR ligands are found in cigarette smoke, and further since smoking is an important risk factor in both osteoporosis and periodontal disease, it may be postulated that AhR ligands are the component of cigarette smoke linking smoking to osteoporosis and periodontal disease. If so, resveratrol could prove to be a promising preventive or therapeutic agent for smoking-related bone loss.


2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Joo Kim ◽  
David S. Musson ◽  
Brya G. Matthews ◽  
Jillian Cornish ◽  
Iain A. Anderson ◽  
...  

We have developed a novel cell stretching device (called Cell Gym) capable of applying physiologically relevant low magnitude strains to tenocytes on a collagen type I coated membrane. We validated our device thoroughly on two levels: (1) substrate strains, (2) cell level strains. Our cell level strain results showed that the applied stretches were transferred to cells accurately (∼90%). Our gene expression data showed that mechanically stimulated tenocytes (4%) expressed a lower level of COL I gene. COX2 gene was increased but did not reach statistical significance. Our device was then tested to see if it could reproduce results from an in vivo study that measured time-dependent changes in collagen synthesis. Our results showed that collagen synthesis peaked at 24 hrs after exercise and then decreased, which matched the results from the in vivo study. Our study demonstrated that it is important to incorporate physiologically relevant low strain magnitudes in in vitro cell mechanical studies and the need to validate the device thoroughly to operate the device at small strains. This device will be used in designing novel tendon tissue engineering scaffolds in the future.


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