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Synchronized mechanical oscillations at the cell-matrix interface in the formation of tensile tissue

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nicholas Kalson

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Abstract

© 2018 National Academy of Sciences. All Rights Reserved. The formation of uniaxial fibrous tissues with defined viscoelastic properties implies the existence of an orchestrated mechanical interaction between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. This study addresses the nature of this interaction. The hypothesis is that this mechanical interplay underpins the mechanical development of the tissue. In embryonic tendon tissue, an early event in the development of a mechanically robust tissue is the interaction of the pointed tips of extracellular collagen fibrils with the fibroblast plasma membrane to form stable interface structures (fibripositors). Here, we used a fibroblast-generated tissue that is structurally and mechanically matched to embryonic tendon to demonstrate homeostasis of cell-derived and external strain-derived tension over repeated cycles of strain and relaxation. A cell-derived oscillatory tension component is evident in this matrix construct. This oscillatory tension involves synchronization of individual cell forces across the construct and is induced in each strain cycle by transient relaxation and transient tensioning of the tissue. The cell-derived tension along with the oscillatory component is absent in the presence of blebbistatin, which disrupts actinomyosin force generation of the cell. The time period of this oscillation (60–90 s) is well-defined in each tissue sample and matches a primary viscoelastic relaxation time. We hypothesize that this mechanical oscillation of fibroblasts with plasma membrane anchored collagen fibrils is a key factor in mechanical sensing and feedback regulation in the formation of tensile tissues.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Holmes DF, Yeung C-YC, Garva R, Zindy E, Taylor SH, Lu Y, Watson S, Kalson NS, Kadler KE

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Year: 2018

Volume: 115

Issue: 40

Pages: E9288-E9297

Print publication date: 02/10/2018

Online publication date: 20/09/2018

Acceptance date: 23/08/2018

ISSN (print): 0027-8424

ISSN (electronic): 1091-6490

Publisher: National Academy of Sciences

URL: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1801759115

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1801759115

PubMed id: 30237286

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