Biomechanical properties of endothelial glycocalyx: An imperfect pendulum

Abstract

Highlights This review seeks to fuse the discoveries in cell biology with mechanical engineering to produce a comprehensive biophysical model of endothelial glycocalyx. The aperiodic oscillatory motions of glycocalyx and cortical actin web underlie our prediction of two functional pacemakers and their participation in the outside-in signaling, the basis for mechanotransduction, and the dampening action of the inside-out signaling. Advancing an idea that the glycocalyx, plasma membrane, and cortical actin web represent a structure-functional unit and proposing the concept of tensegrity model. Presentation of our recent data suggesting that erythrocytes are gliding or havering and rotating over the surface of intact glycocalyx, whereas the rotational and hovering components of their passage along the capillaries are lost when glycocalyx of either is degraded.

Endomucin regulates the endothelial cytoskeleton independent of VEGF

“…The actin cytoskeleton governs multiple cellular functions, and rapid remodeling of the endothelium is required for cell adhesion and migration [28,29]. The glycocalyx is believed to be anchored to the actin cytoskeleton via core proteins such as syndecans, an interaction has been implicated in mechanosensation and transduction [30][31][32]. The mechanism by which the glycocalyx communicates changes to the cytoskeleton is less understood.…”

“…The cytoplasmic domain of syndecans has been proposed to directly or indirectly bind to the cortical actin network. Multiple actin binding proteins such as myosin II are engaged within approximately 100 nm in the submembrane space that collectively participate in the actomyosin contractility underlying membrane tension [32]. EMCN may also be interacting with other transmembrane proteins that recruit F-actin.…”

Classification and Molecular Functions of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and Their Molecular Mechanisms with the Receptor

“…Plasma proteins such as albumin and antithrombin bind to the vascular lumen side of glycocalyx, forming an endothelial surface layer (ESL). The physiological functions of glycocalyx and ESL are diverse, including regulation of vascular permeability, mechanoreceptors for shear stress, regulation of leukocyte adhesion and migration, and control of coagulation and fibrinolysis within blood vessels [61]. Glycocalyx is a very fragile structure.…”

The glycocalyx: Pathobiology and repair

“…The review by Jiang and Goligorsky points out that the synthesis of a unified model of the glycocalyx and how it functions has been hampered by the fragmentary nature of our existing knowledge that has been accumulated by diverse physical, biophysical and biological approaches, techniques, assumptions and interpretations [5] . The goal of their review is to attempt fusion of the discoveries in cell biology and mechanical engineering to produce a comprehensive biophysical model of the endothelial glycocalyx with the hope that it will further stimulate crosspollination of these fields and lead to deeper understanding of the glycocalyx.…”