Mechanical loading is required for bone homeostasis,but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.Our previous studies revealed that the mechanical protein polycystin-1(PC1,encoded by Pkd1)is critical for bone formati...Mechanical loading is required for bone homeostasis,but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.Our previous studies revealed that the mechanical protein polycystin-1(PC1,encoded by Pkd1)is critical for bone formation.However,the role of PC1 in bone resorption is unknown.Here,we found that PC1directly regulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.The conditional deletion of Pkd1 in the osteoclast lineage resulted in a reduced number of osteoclasts,decreased bone resorption,and increased bone mass.A cohort study of 32,500 patients further revealed that autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease,which is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutation of the PKD1 gene,is associated with a lower risk of hip fracture than those with other chronic kidney diseases.Moreover,mice with osteoclastspecific knockout of Pkd1 showed complete resistance to unloading-induced bone loss.A mechanistic study revealed that PC1 facilitated TAZ nuclear translocation via the C-terminal tail-TAZ complex and that conditional deletion of Taz in the osteoclast lineage resulted in reduced osteoclastogenesis and increased bone mass.Pharmacological regulation of the PC1-TAZ axis alleviated unloading-and estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss.Thus,the PC1-TAZ axis may be a potential therapeutic target for osteoclast-related osteoporosis.展开更多
Meniscus,the cushion in knee joint,is a load-bearing tissue that transfers mechanical forces to extracellular matrix(ECM)and tissue resident cells.The mechanoresponse of human tissue resident stem/progenitor cells in ...Meniscus,the cushion in knee joint,is a load-bearing tissue that transfers mechanical forces to extracellular matrix(ECM)and tissue resident cells.The mechanoresponse of human tissue resident stem/progenitor cells in meniscus(hMeSPCs)is significant to tissue homeostasis and regeneration but is not well understood.This study reports that a mild cyclic tensile loading regimen of~1800 loads/day on hMeSPCs seeded in 3-dimensional(3D)photocrosslinked gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)hydrogel is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis.Experimentally,a“slow walk”biomimetic cyclic loading regimen(10%tensile strain,0.5 Hz,1 h/day,up to 15 days)is applied to hMeSPCs encapsulated in GelMA hydrogel with a magnetic force-controlled loading actuator.The loading significantly increases cell differentiation and fibrocartilage-like ECM deposition without affecting cell viability.Transcriptomic analysis reveals 332 mechanoresponsive genes,clustered into cell senescence,mechanical sensitivity,and ECM dynamics,associated with interleukins,integrins,and collagens/matrix metalloproteinase pathways.The cell-GelMA constructs show active ECM remodeling,traced using a green fluorescence tagged(GFT)-GelMA hydrogel.Loading enhances nascent pericellular matrix production by the encapsulated hMeSPCs,which gradually compensates for the hydrogel loss in the cultures.These findings demonstrate the strong tissue-forming ability of hMeSPCs,and the importance of mechanical factors in maintaining meniscus homeostasis.展开更多
Facile and rapid 3D fabrication of strong,bioactive materials can address challenges that impede repair of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears including personalized grafts,limited mechanical support,and inadequate ti...Facile and rapid 3D fabrication of strong,bioactive materials can address challenges that impede repair of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears including personalized grafts,limited mechanical support,and inadequate tissue regeneration.Herein,we developed a facile and rapid methodology that generates visible light-crosslinkable polythiourethane(PHT)pre-polymer resin(~30 min at room temperature),yielding 3D-printable scaffolds with tendon-like mechanical attributes capable of delivering tenogenic bioactive factors.Ex vivo characterization confirmed successful fabrication,robust human supraspinatus tendon(SST)-like tensile properties(strength:23 MPa,modulus:459 MPa,at least 10,000 physiological loading cycles without failure),excellent suture retention(8.62-fold lower than acellular dermal matrix(ADM)-based clinical graft),slow degradation,and controlled release of fibroblast growth factor-2(FGF-2)and transforming growth factor-β3(TGF-β3).In vitro studies showed cytocompatibility and growth factor-mediated tenogenic-like differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.In vivo studies demonstrated biocompatibility(3-week mouse subcutaneous implantation)and ability of growth factor-containing scaffolds to notably regenerate at least 1-cm of tendon with native-like biomechanical attributes as uninjured shoulder(8-week,large-to-massive 1-cm gap rabbit rotator cuff injury).This study demonstrates use of a 3D-printable,strong,and bioactive material to provide mechanical support and pro-regenerative cues for challenging injuries such as large-to-massive rotator cuff tears.展开更多
A significant clinical challenge in large-to-massive rotator cuff tendon injuries is the need for sustaining high mechanical demands despite limited tissue regeneration,which often results in clinical repair failure w...A significant clinical challenge in large-to-massive rotator cuff tendon injuries is the need for sustaining high mechanical demands despite limited tissue regeneration,which often results in clinical repair failure with high retear rates and long-term functional deficiencies.To address this,an innovative tendon substitute named“BioTenoForce”is engineered,which uses(i)tendon extracellular matrix(tECM)’s rich biocomplexity for tendon-specific regeneration and(ii)a mechanically robust,slow degradation polyurethane elastomer to mimic native tendon’s physical attributes for sustaining long-term shoulder movement.Comprehensive assessments revealed outstanding performance of BioTenoForce,characterized by robust core-shell interfacial bonding,human rotator cuff tendon-like mechanical properties,excellent suture retention,biocompatibility,and tendon differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells.Importantly,BioTenoForce,when used as an interpositional tendon substitute,demonstrated successful integration with regenerative tissue,exhibiting remarkable efficacy in repairing large-to-massive tendon injuries in two animal models.Noteworthy outcomes include durable repair and sustained functionality with no observed breakage/rupture,accelerated recovery of rat gait performance,and>1 cm rabbit tendon regeneration with native tendon-like biomechanical attributes.The regenerated tissues showed tendon-like,wavy,aligned matrix structure,which starkly contrasts with the typical disorganized scar tissue observed after tendon injury,and was strongly correlated with tissue stiffness.Our simple yet versatile approach offers a dual-pronged,broadly applicable strategy that overcomes the limitations of poor regeneration and stringent biomechanical requirements,particularly essential for substantial defects in tendon and other load-bearing tissues.展开更多
Setting time as the fourth dimension,4D printing allows us to construct dynamic structures that can change their shape,property,or functionality over time under stimuli,leading to a wave of innovations in various fiel...Setting time as the fourth dimension,4D printing allows us to construct dynamic structures that can change their shape,property,or functionality over time under stimuli,leading to a wave of innovations in various fields.Recently,4D printing of smart biomaterials,biological components,and living cells into dynamic living 3D constructs with 4D effects has led to an exciting field of 4D bioprinting.4D bioprinting has gained increasing attention and is being applied to create programmed and dynamic cell-laden constructs such as bone,cartilage,and vasculature.This review presents an overview on 4D bioprinting for engineering dynamic tissues and organs,followed by a discussion on the approaches,bioprinting technologies,smart biomaterials and smart design,bioink requirements,and applications.While much progress has been achieved,4D bioprinting as a complex process is facing challenges that need to be addressed by transdisciplinary strategies to unleash the full potential of this advanced biofabrication technology.Finally,we present future perspectives on the rapidly evolving field of 4D bioprinting,in view of its potential,increasingly important roles in the development of advanced dynamic tissues for basic research,pharmaceutics,and regenerative medicine.展开更多
Obesity-induced chronic inflammation exacerbates multiple types of tissue/organ deterioration and stem cell dysfunction;however,the effects on skeletal tissue and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.Here,we sh...Obesity-induced chronic inflammation exacerbates multiple types of tissue/organ deterioration and stem cell dysfunction;however,the effects on skeletal tissue and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.Here,we show that obesity triggers changes in the microRNA profile of macrophage-secreted extracellular vesicles,leading to a switch in skeletal stem/progenitor cell(SSPC)differentiation between osteoblasts and adipocytes and bone deterioration.Bone marrow macrophage(BMM)-secreted extracellular vesicles(BMM-EVs)from obese mice induced bone deterioration(decreased bone volume,bone microstructural deterioration,and increased adipocyte numbers)when administered to lean mice.Conversely,BMM-EVs from lean mice rejuvenated bone deterioration in obese recipients.We further screened the differentially expressed microRNAs in obese BMM-EVs and found that among the candidates,miR-140(with the function of promoting adipogenesis)and miR-378a(with the function of enhancing osteogenesis)coordinately determine SSPC fate of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation by targeting the Pparα-Abca1 axis.BMM miR-140 conditional knockout mice showed resistance to obesity-induced bone deterioration,while miR-140 overexpression in SSPCs led to low bone mass and marrow adiposity in lean mice.BMM miR-378a conditional depletion in mice led to obesity-like bone deterioration.More importantly,we used an SSPC-specific targeting aptamer to precisely deliver miR-378a-3p-overloaded BMM-EVs to SSPCs via an aptamer-engineered extracellular vesicle delivery system,and this approach rescued bone deterioration in obese mice.Thus,our study reveals the critical role of BMMs in mediating obesity-induced bone deterioration by transporting selective extracellular-vesicle microRNAs into SSPCs and controlling SSPC fate.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2019YFA0111900,2022YFC3601900 and 2022YFC2505500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82261160397,82272560,81922017,92149306 and 82120108009)+5 种基金the NSFC/RGC Joint Research Schemethe Research Grants Council(UGC)of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(N_CUHK483/22)the Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine by Innovation and Technology Commission(ITC)of Hong Kong SAR,China(CNRM at Inno HK),the National Institutes of Health(R61-AR073518 and R01-AR071930)the Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province(2022SK2023)the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province(2023RC1027,2022RC1009 and 2022RC3075)the Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department(2023JJ30896)。
文摘Mechanical loading is required for bone homeostasis,but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.Our previous studies revealed that the mechanical protein polycystin-1(PC1,encoded by Pkd1)is critical for bone formation.However,the role of PC1 in bone resorption is unknown.Here,we found that PC1directly regulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.The conditional deletion of Pkd1 in the osteoclast lineage resulted in a reduced number of osteoclasts,decreased bone resorption,and increased bone mass.A cohort study of 32,500 patients further revealed that autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease,which is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutation of the PKD1 gene,is associated with a lower risk of hip fracture than those with other chronic kidney diseases.Moreover,mice with osteoclastspecific knockout of Pkd1 showed complete resistance to unloading-induced bone loss.A mechanistic study revealed that PC1 facilitated TAZ nuclear translocation via the C-terminal tail-TAZ complex and that conditional deletion of Taz in the osteoclast lineage resulted in reduced osteoclastogenesis and increased bone mass.Pharmacological regulation of the PC1-TAZ axis alleviated unloading-and estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss.Thus,the PC1-TAZ axis may be a potential therapeutic target for osteoclast-related osteoporosis.
基金This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program[grant number 2019YFA0111900,to YJ],administered by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China(MOST,China)General Research Fund(GRF,grant number 14104022,to YJ)by Hong Kong Research Grants Council,University Grants Committee(RGC,UGC)of Hong Kong SAR,China+2 种基金The Chinese University of Hong Kong,Impact Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme[IPDFS,CUHK,to JS]the Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine[CNRM at InnoHK,to RST,YJ]by Innovation and Technology Commission(ITC)of Hong Kong SAR,ChinaLee Quo Wei and Lee Yick Hoi Lun Professorship in Tissue Engineering Regenerative Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong(to RST).
文摘Meniscus,the cushion in knee joint,is a load-bearing tissue that transfers mechanical forces to extracellular matrix(ECM)and tissue resident cells.The mechanoresponse of human tissue resident stem/progenitor cells in meniscus(hMeSPCs)is significant to tissue homeostasis and regeneration but is not well understood.This study reports that a mild cyclic tensile loading regimen of~1800 loads/day on hMeSPCs seeded in 3-dimensional(3D)photocrosslinked gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)hydrogel is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis.Experimentally,a“slow walk”biomimetic cyclic loading regimen(10%tensile strain,0.5 Hz,1 h/day,up to 15 days)is applied to hMeSPCs encapsulated in GelMA hydrogel with a magnetic force-controlled loading actuator.The loading significantly increases cell differentiation and fibrocartilage-like ECM deposition without affecting cell viability.Transcriptomic analysis reveals 332 mechanoresponsive genes,clustered into cell senescence,mechanical sensitivity,and ECM dynamics,associated with interleukins,integrins,and collagens/matrix metalloproteinase pathways.The cell-GelMA constructs show active ECM remodeling,traced using a green fluorescence tagged(GFT)-GelMA hydrogel.Loading enhances nascent pericellular matrix production by the encapsulated hMeSPCs,which gradually compensates for the hydrogel loss in the cultures.These findings demonstrate the strong tissue-forming ability of hMeSPCs,and the importance of mechanical factors in maintaining meniscus homeostasis.
基金supported by Hong Kong Health Bureau (DFEK:Health Medical and Research Fund,08190466,DMW:Health Medical and Research Fund,07180686)Hong Kong Research Grants Council (DFEK:Early Career Scheme Award,24201720,General Research Fund:14213922,DMW:General Research Fund:14118620 and 14121121)+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China-Hong Kong Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme (DMW:N_CUHK409/23)Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission (DFEK:Tier 3 Award,ITS/090/18,DW:ITS/333/18DFEK,DMW,and RST:Health@InnoHK program)The Chinese University of Hong Kong (DFEK:Faculty Innovation Award,FIA2018/A/01)。
文摘Facile and rapid 3D fabrication of strong,bioactive materials can address challenges that impede repair of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears including personalized grafts,limited mechanical support,and inadequate tissue regeneration.Herein,we developed a facile and rapid methodology that generates visible light-crosslinkable polythiourethane(PHT)pre-polymer resin(~30 min at room temperature),yielding 3D-printable scaffolds with tendon-like mechanical attributes capable of delivering tenogenic bioactive factors.Ex vivo characterization confirmed successful fabrication,robust human supraspinatus tendon(SST)-like tensile properties(strength:23 MPa,modulus:459 MPa,at least 10,000 physiological loading cycles without failure),excellent suture retention(8.62-fold lower than acellular dermal matrix(ADM)-based clinical graft),slow degradation,and controlled release of fibroblast growth factor-2(FGF-2)and transforming growth factor-β3(TGF-β3).In vitro studies showed cytocompatibility and growth factor-mediated tenogenic-like differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.In vivo studies demonstrated biocompatibility(3-week mouse subcutaneous implantation)and ability of growth factor-containing scaffolds to notably regenerate at least 1-cm of tendon with native-like biomechanical attributes as uninjured shoulder(8-week,large-to-massive 1-cm gap rabbit rotator cuff injury).This study demonstrates use of a 3D-printable,strong,and bioactive material to provide mechanical support and pro-regenerative cues for challenging injuries such as large-to-massive rotator cuff tears.
基金funding support,including The Research Grants Council of Hong Kong SAR(GRF 14121121,DMW,GRF 14118620,DMW,ECS24201720,DFEK)National Natural Science Foundation of China/Research Grants Council Joint Research Scheme(N_CUHK409/23,DMW)+1 种基金The Innovation and Technology Commission of Hong Kong SAR Innovation Tier 3 Support(ITS/090/18,DFEK)Health@InnoHK CNRM(DMW,AB,DFEK,RST).
文摘A significant clinical challenge in large-to-massive rotator cuff tendon injuries is the need for sustaining high mechanical demands despite limited tissue regeneration,which often results in clinical repair failure with high retear rates and long-term functional deficiencies.To address this,an innovative tendon substitute named“BioTenoForce”is engineered,which uses(i)tendon extracellular matrix(tECM)’s rich biocomplexity for tendon-specific regeneration and(ii)a mechanically robust,slow degradation polyurethane elastomer to mimic native tendon’s physical attributes for sustaining long-term shoulder movement.Comprehensive assessments revealed outstanding performance of BioTenoForce,characterized by robust core-shell interfacial bonding,human rotator cuff tendon-like mechanical properties,excellent suture retention,biocompatibility,and tendon differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells.Importantly,BioTenoForce,when used as an interpositional tendon substitute,demonstrated successful integration with regenerative tissue,exhibiting remarkable efficacy in repairing large-to-massive tendon injuries in two animal models.Noteworthy outcomes include durable repair and sustained functionality with no observed breakage/rupture,accelerated recovery of rat gait performance,and>1 cm rabbit tendon regeneration with native tendon-like biomechanical attributes.The regenerated tissues showed tendon-like,wavy,aligned matrix structure,which starkly contrasts with the typical disorganized scar tissue observed after tendon injury,and was strongly correlated with tissue stiffness.Our simple yet versatile approach offers a dual-pronged,broadly applicable strategy that overcomes the limitations of poor regeneration and stringent biomechanical requirements,particularly essential for substantial defects in tendon and other load-bearing tissues.
基金support from CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor Early Career Professorship Scheme and CUHK Research Committee (via Direct Grant for Research 2022/2023,4055182)supported by the Lee Quo Wei and Lee Yik Hoi Lun Professorship in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of CUHK+2 种基金supported by the Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (to RST,ZAL,GL,and PSY),under the Health@InnoHK program launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission,the Government of the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China,the National Natural Science Foundation of China (to ZAL,82302753)the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China (to ZAL,24203523)support from the Shenzhen Science and Technology Project (JCYJ20210324102815040).
文摘Setting time as the fourth dimension,4D printing allows us to construct dynamic structures that can change their shape,property,or functionality over time under stimuli,leading to a wave of innovations in various fields.Recently,4D printing of smart biomaterials,biological components,and living cells into dynamic living 3D constructs with 4D effects has led to an exciting field of 4D bioprinting.4D bioprinting has gained increasing attention and is being applied to create programmed and dynamic cell-laden constructs such as bone,cartilage,and vasculature.This review presents an overview on 4D bioprinting for engineering dynamic tissues and organs,followed by a discussion on the approaches,bioprinting technologies,smart biomaterials and smart design,bioink requirements,and applications.While much progress has been achieved,4D bioprinting as a complex process is facing challenges that need to be addressed by transdisciplinary strategies to unleash the full potential of this advanced biofabrication technology.Finally,we present future perspectives on the rapidly evolving field of 4D bioprinting,in view of its potential,increasingly important roles in the development of advanced dynamic tissues for basic research,pharmaceutics,and regenerative medicine.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant 2022YFC3601900 to G.H.L.,2022YFC3601903,and 2022YFC3601905 to C.J.L.,2019YFA0111900 to Y.J.)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82261160397,82272560,81922017 to C.J.L.)+4 种基金the Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department(2023JJ30896 to C.J.L.,2023JJ40965 to L.L.)the Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province(2022SK2023 to C.J.L.)Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province(2023RC1027 to C.J.L.,2022RC1009 to J.W.,and 2022RC3075 to C.Z.)The NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme,the Research Grants Council(UGC)of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC/RGC Project No.N_CUHK483/22 to Y.J.)the Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine[CNRM at InnoHK,to Y.J.]by Innovation and Technology Commission(ITC)of Hong Kong SAR,China.
文摘Obesity-induced chronic inflammation exacerbates multiple types of tissue/organ deterioration and stem cell dysfunction;however,the effects on skeletal tissue and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.Here,we show that obesity triggers changes in the microRNA profile of macrophage-secreted extracellular vesicles,leading to a switch in skeletal stem/progenitor cell(SSPC)differentiation between osteoblasts and adipocytes and bone deterioration.Bone marrow macrophage(BMM)-secreted extracellular vesicles(BMM-EVs)from obese mice induced bone deterioration(decreased bone volume,bone microstructural deterioration,and increased adipocyte numbers)when administered to lean mice.Conversely,BMM-EVs from lean mice rejuvenated bone deterioration in obese recipients.We further screened the differentially expressed microRNAs in obese BMM-EVs and found that among the candidates,miR-140(with the function of promoting adipogenesis)and miR-378a(with the function of enhancing osteogenesis)coordinately determine SSPC fate of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation by targeting the Pparα-Abca1 axis.BMM miR-140 conditional knockout mice showed resistance to obesity-induced bone deterioration,while miR-140 overexpression in SSPCs led to low bone mass and marrow adiposity in lean mice.BMM miR-378a conditional depletion in mice led to obesity-like bone deterioration.More importantly,we used an SSPC-specific targeting aptamer to precisely deliver miR-378a-3p-overloaded BMM-EVs to SSPCs via an aptamer-engineered extracellular vesicle delivery system,and this approach rescued bone deterioration in obese mice.Thus,our study reveals the critical role of BMMs in mediating obesity-induced bone deterioration by transporting selective extracellular-vesicle microRNAs into SSPCs and controlling SSPC fate.