Cell mediated remodeling of stiffness matched collagen and fibrin scaffolds

Abstract

Cells are known to continuously remodel their local extracellular matrix (ECM) and in a reciprocal way, they can also respond to mechanical and biochemical properties of their fibrous environment. In this study, we measured how stiffness around dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells differs with concentration of rat tail type 1 collagen (T1C) and type of ECM. Peri-cellular stiffness was probed in four directions using multi-axes optical tweezers active microrheology (AMR). First, we found that neither cell type significantly altered local stiffness landscape at different concentrations of T1C. Next, rat tail T1C, bovine skin T1C and fibrin cell-free hydrogels were polymerized at concentrations formulated to match median stiffness value. Each of these hydrogels exhibited distinct fiber architecture. Stiffness landscape and fibronectin secretion, but not nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP ratio differed with ECM type. Further, cell response to Y27632 or BB94 treatments, inhibiting cell contractility and activity of matrix metalloproteinases, respectively, was also dependent on ECM type. Given differential effect of tested ECMs on peri-cellular stiffness landscape, treatment effect and cell properties, this study underscores the need for peri-cellular and not bulk stiffness measurements in studies on cellular mechanotransduction.

Application of optical tweezers in cardiovascular research: More than just a measuring tool

“…Dermal fibroblasts and human fibrosarcoma cells are known to regulate stiffness and other microrheological parameters of their local extracellular matrix. Multi-axes optical tweezers active microrheology have been used to measure multi-dimensional matrix stiffness as affected by collagen concentration and matrix type ( Jagiełło et al, 2022 ). Similarly, cardiac fibroblasts mediate myocardial fibrosis and are impacted by a variety of factors such as pressure and volume overload, paving way to end-stage heart failure.…”

Role of Physico-Chemical and Cellular Conditions on the Bone Repair Potential of Plastically Compressed Collagen Hydrogels

“…These processes are highly dependent on the hydrogel composition, structure, and mechanical properties, which can also impact stem cell differentiation. In particular, the mechanical properties of the hydrogel are usually considered a key factor [49]. However, H and I have similar G ′ values but evolved very differently: H became denser, as expected under contraction, whereas I broke into pieces.…”

Gravisensitivity Of Stromal Collagen Fibers In The Gastrointestinal Hollow Organs Of Mice After A 30-Day Space Flight

“…In particular, van Giesonstained fibrous structures are predominantly type I collagen, while impregnated fibers contain a higher content of type III collagen [45][46][47]. As known, reticular fibers can be a direct continuation of collagen fibers [20,48,49]. Thus, histochemical techniques used in the study allowed differentiating reticular fibers containing type III collagen from fibrous structures formed by other fibrillar collagens (types I, II, V, XI, etc.)…”