Numerous studies have shown that extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffolds are suitable for dermal constructs for the differentiation of various cell types in vitro and for constructive tissue remodeling after implantation in vivo. However, a shortcoming of these ECM materials is its limited elastogenesis. Elastic fibers constitute an essential component of mammalian connective tissue and the presence of elastic fibers is crucial for the proper function of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and intestinal systems. Since it is still largely unknown how cells coordinate the molecular events of elastic-fiber assembly, understanding the ability to regenerate elastic fibers in tissues remains a significant challenge. For this reason, human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (HDFneo) were analyzed for their potential to serve as a cell culture model for elastic fiber assembly. Using optical technologies such as multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy (MPSLM) we demonstrate that HDFneo stimulated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) are able to produce a distinct and complex elastic fiber system in vitro. As shown by the desmosine and isodesmosine content, crosslinked elastic fibers were formed within the 3D ECM-based scaffold. This tissue-engineered dermal construct may prove to be an effective template for the development of medicinal approaches in regenerative soft skin tissue reconstruction through TGF-β1 induction.
Mercury (Hg) pollution of soils is a critical environmental problem. To rehabilitate Hg contaminated soils, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi-based phytoremediation may be supportive, yet the functional potential of AM fungi in response to Hg exposure is unclear. In a greenhouse experiment, we assessed the response of Medicago truncatula (Hg tolerance index (TI), Hg partitioning) to different Hg concentrations [0 (Hg0), 25 (Hg25), 50 (Hg50) µg g−1] in treatments with (AM) and without (NM) inoculation of Rhizophagus irregularis. Additionally, zinc (Zn) uptake and the expression of two Zn transporter genes (ZIP2, ZIP6) were examined because Zn is an essential element for plants and shares the same outer electronic configuration as Hg, implying potential competition for the same transporters. The results showed that AM plants had a higher TI than NM plants. Plant roots were identified as dominant Hg reservoirs. AM inoculation reduced the root Hg concentration under Hg50 compared to the NM treatment. There was an interaction between Hg treatment and AM inoculation on Hg stem concentration, i.e., at Hg25, AM inoculation decreased the Hg translocation from roots to stems, while Hg translocation was increased at Hg50 compared to the NM treatment. Zn acquisition was improved by R. irregularis. The negative relationship between Hg and Zn concentrations in the roots of AM and NM plants implied potential competition for the same transporters, although the expression of Zn transporters was upregulated by AM inoculation at all Hg levels. In conclusion, this baseline study demonstrated that R. irregularis may play an important role in Hg tolerance of M. truncatula, suggesting its potential for Hg-contaminated phytoremediation.
Mercury (Hg) pollution of soils is a critical environmental problem. To rehabilitate Hg contaminated soils, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based phytoremediation may be supportive, yet the functional potential of AMF in response to Hg exposure is unclear. In a greenhouse experiment, we assessed the response of Medicago truncatula (biomass, Hg tolerance index (TI), Hg partitioning) to different Hg concentrations [0 (Hg0), 25 (Hg25), 50 (Hg50) µg g-1] in treatments with (AM) and without (NM) inoculation of the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis. Additionally, zinc (Zn) uptake and the expression of two Zn transporter genes (MtZIP2, MTZIP6) were examined, because Hg and Zn share the same outer electronic configuration, inferring a potential competition for the same transporters. Although AM plants revealed lower biomass than NM plants, they showed a higher Hg TI. Plant roots were identified as dominant Hg reservoirs. At Hg25, R. irregularis decreased the Hg translocation from roots to stems, while Hg translocation was increased at Hg50. Hg in leaves originated mainly from atmospheric uptake. A lower Hg concentration in leaves of AM than NM plants was found, indicating a regulatory effect of R. irregularis on stomata functioning. The negative relationship between Hg and Zn concentrations in the roots of AM and NM plants implied a potential competition for the same transporters, although the expression of Zn transporters was upregulated by AMF inoculation at all Hg levels. In conclusion, this baseline study demonstrated that R. irregularis contributed to Hg tolerance of M. truncatula, suggesting the potential of R. irregularis for Hg-contaminated phytoremediation.
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