Live cell imaging of mechanotransduction

Abstract

Mechanical forces play important roles in the regulation of cellular functions, including polarization, migration and stem cell differentiation. Tremendous advancement in our understanding of mechanotransduction has been achieved with the recent development of imaging technologies and molecular biosensors. In particular, genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology have been widely developed and applied in the field of mechanobiology. In this article, we will provide an overview of the recent progress of FRET application in mechanobiology, specifically mechanotransduction. We first introduce fluorescent proteins and FRET technology. We then discuss the mechanotranduction processes in different cells including stem cells, with a special emphasis on the important signalling molecules involved in mechanotransduction. Finally, we discuss methods that can allow the integration of simultaneous FRET imaging and mechanical stimulation to trigger signalling transduction. In summary, FRET technology has provided a powerful tool for the study of mechanotransduction to advance our systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cells respond to mechanical stimulation.

Extracellular Calcium Modulates Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: A Novel Approach for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering Using a Single Stem Cell Source

“…Important cell functions are often directed by the transport of calcium (Ca 2 + ) across the cell membrane, into the cytoplasm from intracellular stores, or the allosteric binding of Ca 2 + to a protein. 1,2 Calcium can act as a second messenger translating mechanical load to a chemical signal directing cell activity, as with certain stretch-activated mechanotransducers. [2][3][4] It can further act as a first messenger, binding with proteins outside of cell membranes, causing a cascade of signals within the cell.…”

“…1,2 Calcium can act as a second messenger translating mechanical load to a chemical signal directing cell activity, as with certain stretch-activated mechanotransducers. [2][3][4] It can further act as a first messenger, binding with proteins outside of cell membranes, causing a cascade of signals within the cell. 5 Elevated Ca 2 + has been shown to affect cell differentiation in various cell types.…”

Tissue induction, the relationship between biomaterial’s microenvironment and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

“…Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) technology not only determines the size of the protein activity changes, but also can be directly used to observe the change of spatial distribution of protein activation in living cell [41]. A lot of experiments have proved that FRET technology is very reliable and effective in the observation and quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal changes of live intracellular signal transmission [42,43]. Since its inception, FRET has been widely used in exploring the pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer, neurological and cardiovascular disease.…”

Mechanical Forces in Cutaneous Wound Healing: Emerging Therapies to Minimize Scar Formation

“…Advancements in the past decade pertaining to the exploration of mechanical forces on the individual cell and system levels can be attributed to developments in nanotechnology, fluorescence energy transfer-based mechanosensors, atomic force microscopy, traction force microscopy, and magnetic twist cytometry. [63][64][65][66][67] Fibroblasts have been extensively studied in biomechanical wound models, and physical forces are known to influence the expression of ECM genes and inflammatory genes involved in scar formation. [68][69][70] Fibroblasts grown in mechanically loaded three-dimensional collagen lattices resembling connective tissue develop dendritic extensions that enable them to migrate and remodel their matrices.…”