Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100158
Mirko D'Urso , Pim van den Bersselaar , Sarah Pragnere , Paolo Maiuri , Carlijn V.C. Bouten , Nicholas A. Kurniawan
During wound healing, fibroblasts undergo radical processes that impact their phenotype and behavior. They are activated, recruited to the injury site, assume a contractile phenotype, and secrete extracellular matrix proteins to orchestrate tissue repair. Thus, fibroblast responses require dynamic changes in cytoskeleton assembly and organization, adhesion morphology, and force generation. At the same time, fibroblasts experience changes in environmental stiffness during tissue wounding and healing. Although cells are generally known to use their adhesion–contraction machinery to sense microenvironmental stiffness, little is known about how stiffness affects the fibroblast phenotypical transition and behavior in wound healing. Here we demonstrate that stiffness plays a deterministic role in determining fibroblast phenotype, surprisingly even overruling the classical TGF-β-mediated stimulation. By combining morphometric analysis, traction force microscopy, and single-cell migration analysis, we show that environmental stiffness primes the cytoskeletal and mechanical responses of fibroblasts, strongly modulating their morphology, force generation, and migration behavior. Our study, therefore, points to the importance of tissue stiffness as a key mechanobiological regulator of fibroblast behavior, thus serving as a potential target for controlling tissue repair.
{"title":"Substrate stiffness modulates phenotype-dependent fibroblast contractility and migration independent of TGF-β stimulation","authors":"Mirko D'Urso , Pim van den Bersselaar , Sarah Pragnere , Paolo Maiuri , Carlijn V.C. Bouten , Nicholas A. Kurniawan","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During wound healing, fibroblasts undergo radical processes that impact their phenotype and behavior. They are activated, recruited to the injury site, assume a contractile phenotype, and secrete extracellular matrix proteins to orchestrate tissue repair. Thus, fibroblast responses require dynamic changes in cytoskeleton assembly and organization, adhesion morphology, and force generation. At the same time, fibroblasts experience changes in environmental stiffness during tissue wounding and healing. Although cells are generally known to use their adhesion–contraction machinery to sense microenvironmental stiffness, little is known about how stiffness affects the fibroblast phenotypical transition and behavior in wound healing. Here we demonstrate that stiffness plays a deterministic role in determining fibroblast phenotype, surprisingly even overruling the classical TGF-<em>β</em>-mediated stimulation. By combining morphometric analysis, traction force microscopy, and single-cell migration analysis, we show that environmental stiffness primes the cytoskeletal and mechanical responses of fibroblasts, strongly modulating their morphology, force generation, and migration behavior. Our study, therefore, points to the importance of tissue stiffness as a key mechanobiological regulator of fibroblast behavior, thus serving as a potential target for controlling tissue repair.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 4","pages":"Article 100158"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100157
Wenying Zhao, Jin Wang, Jing Wang
Immune cells sense and transduce mechanical signals such as stiffness, stretch, compression, and shear stress. In the past few years, our understanding of the mechanosensitive signaling pathways in myeloid cells has significantly expanded, especially in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Recently, the mechanobiological regulation of neutrophil function has been deciphered. Mechanical signals from tissue-derived shear stress and cellular deformation tension reprogram neutrophil transcription via GEF-H1, PIEZO1, and TRPV4 pathways, modulating neutrophil functions in homeostasis and trans-endothelial migration. Understanding these force-dependent processes provides novel insights into neutrophil plasticity and highlights potential therapeutic strategies and approaches for inflammatory and infectious diseases.
{"title":"Mechanotransduction in neutrophil: Mechanosensing and immune function regulation","authors":"Wenying Zhao, Jin Wang, Jing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Immune cells sense and transduce mechanical signals such as stiffness, stretch, compression, and shear stress. In the past few years, our understanding of the mechanosensitive signaling pathways in myeloid cells has significantly expanded, especially in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Recently, the mechanobiological regulation of neutrophil function has been deciphered. Mechanical signals from tissue-derived shear stress and cellular deformation tension reprogram neutrophil transcription via GEF-H1, PIEZO1, and TRPV4 pathways, modulating neutrophil functions in homeostasis and trans-endothelial migration. Understanding these force-dependent processes provides novel insights into neutrophil plasticity and highlights potential therapeutic strategies and approaches for inflammatory and infectious diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 4","pages":"Article 100157"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-26DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100156
Yiru Wang , Lixia Zhao , Heqiao Zhang
Nonsegmented negative-sense RNA viruses (nsNSVs)—including highly pathogenic pathogens such as measles virus (MeV), Nipah virus (NiV), Hendra virus (HeV), Ebola virus (EBOV), and others—pose major global health threats, yet most lack approved antiviral therapeutics. In the recent study, high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) revealed previously unrecognized allosteric pockets in the large (L) polymerase proteins of MeV and NiV, spatially distinct from the catalytic nucleotide-binding site. We further demonstrated that the non-nucleoside inhibitor ERDRP-0519 engages these pockets to allosterically ‘lock’ the polymerase in a mechanically inactive state. These findings reveal an allosteric mechanism of inhibition rooted in the conformational mechanics of the enzyme and highlight opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-aided drug discovery (AIDD) into rational drug design.
{"title":"Allosteric pockets in the measles and Nipah virus polymerases: Mechanobiological insights and AI-driven drug discovery opportunities","authors":"Yiru Wang , Lixia Zhao , Heqiao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nonsegmented negative-sense RNA viruses (nsNSVs)—including highly pathogenic pathogens such as measles virus (MeV), Nipah virus (NiV), Hendra virus (HeV), Ebola virus (EBOV), and others—pose major global health threats, yet most lack approved antiviral therapeutics. In the recent study, high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) revealed previously unrecognized allosteric pockets in the large (L) polymerase proteins of MeV and NiV, spatially distinct from the catalytic nucleotide-binding site. We further demonstrated that the non-nucleoside inhibitor ERDRP-0519 engages these pockets to allosterically ‘lock’ the polymerase in a mechanically inactive state. These findings reveal an allosteric mechanism of inhibition rooted in the conformational mechanics of the enzyme and highlight opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-aided drug discovery (AIDD) into rational drug design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 4","pages":"Article 100156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145009942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aging-associated cognitive decline remains a major challenge in gerontology; few non-invasive interventions provide both mechanistic insight and translational feasibility. We investigated whether low-frequency “theta-shaking” whole-body vibration (5 Hz) could modulate cognitive function, emotional behavior, and metabolic plasticity in a senescence-accelerated mouse model. Senescence-accelerated mouse prone-10 mice were exposed to theta-shaking stimulation for 30 weeks. Spatial memory was assessed using Y-maze spontaneous alternation test, and anxiety-related behavior was evaluated using marble burying test. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to assess neuronal density and protein expression in specific brain regions. Theta-shaking subjected mice exhibited delayed yet significant improvements in spatial memory at 20 (p = 0.017) and 30 (p = 0.018) weeks. Anxiety-related behavior shows a biphasic pattern: an initial increase at 20 weeks (p < 0.001) followed by stabilization at 30 weeks. Histological analysis revealed preserved neuronal density in the subiculum (p < 0.001) and elevated proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) expression in the Cornu Ammonis 1, subiculum, and lateral septum (all p < 0.05). Notably, mitochondrial biogenesis appeared to be intervention's primary target, as shown by robust PGC1α upregulation, while brain-derived neurotrophic factor revealed a trend-level increase (p = 0.062), and neurotrophin-3 expression remained unchanged. Frequency-tuned mechanical stimulation induced region-specific neural neurometabolic adaptations, supporting theta-shaking as a non-pharmacological, low-exertion strategy to counteract brain aging. These findings offer promising translational potential, especially for individuals with limited mobility.
{"title":"Theta-shaking mitigates cognitive-emotional decline via subiculum and ventral septum metabolic plasticity","authors":"Runhong Yao , Kouji Yamada , Hirohide Sawada , Takeshi Chihara , Naoki Aizu , Kazuhiro Nishii","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging-associated cognitive decline remains a major challenge in gerontology; few non-invasive interventions provide both mechanistic insight and translational feasibility. We investigated whether low-frequency “theta-shaking” whole-body vibration (5 Hz) could modulate cognitive function, emotional behavior, and metabolic plasticity in a senescence-accelerated mouse model. Senescence-accelerated mouse prone-10 mice were exposed to theta-shaking stimulation for 30 weeks. Spatial memory was assessed using Y-maze spontaneous alternation test, and anxiety-related behavior was evaluated using marble burying test. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to assess neuronal density and protein expression in specific brain regions. Theta-shaking subjected mice exhibited delayed yet significant improvements in spatial memory at 20 (p = 0.017) and 30 (p = 0.018) weeks. Anxiety-related behavior shows a biphasic pattern: an initial increase at 20 weeks (p < 0.001) followed by stabilization at 30 weeks. Histological analysis revealed preserved neuronal density in the subiculum (p < 0.001) and elevated proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) expression in the Cornu Ammonis 1, subiculum, and lateral septum (all p < 0.05). Notably, mitochondrial biogenesis appeared to be intervention's primary target, as shown by robust PGC1α upregulation, while brain-derived neurotrophic factor revealed a trend-level increase (p = 0.062), and neurotrophin-3 expression remained unchanged. Frequency-tuned mechanical stimulation induced region-specific neural neurometabolic adaptations, supporting theta-shaking as a non-pharmacological, low-exertion strategy to counteract brain aging. These findings offer promising translational potential, especially for individuals with limited mobility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 4","pages":"Article 100148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-16DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100147
Yunlong Huo
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis affects disease severity and outcomes in multiple heart diseases. A recent study in NATURE has shown a chemomechanical method to regulate myocardial stromal cell states to suppress fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, which provides a proof-of-concept therapeutic strategy. This study reviews the proposed chemomechanical method and other recent biotechnologies to fight cardiac fibrosis.
{"title":"Fighting cardiac fibrosis using the chemomechanical method","authors":"Yunlong Huo","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diffuse myocardial fibrosis affects disease severity and outcomes in multiple heart diseases. A recent study in NATURE has shown a chemomechanical method to regulate myocardial stromal cell states to suppress fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, which provides a proof-of-concept therapeutic strategy. This study reviews the proposed chemomechanical method and other recent biotechnologies to fight cardiac fibrosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144863143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100146
Meng Yao , Yao Zong , Junjie Gao
Mechanical confinement of cells, as occurs during processes like tumor cell invasion or immune cell trafficking, poses a pressure that can threaten nuclear integrity and cell viability. Recent findings illuminate a rapid adaptive mechanism by which cells under acute compressive stress rearrange their internal architecture to preserve nuclear functions. Upon confinement, mitochondria swiftly relocate to cluster around the nucleus (forming nuclear-associated mitochondria, NAM), entrapped by a web of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and actin filaments. This proximity provides a localized surge of ATP within the nucleus, fueling energy-intensive nuclear processes, notably maintaining an open chromatin state and facilitating efficient DNA damage repair. This targeted energy delivery maintains nuclear chromatin accessibility, supports DNA repair mechanisms, and ensures sustained cell proliferation despite physical constraints. Here we provide a commentary on these findings, discussing the biological significance of mitochondria–nucleus repositioning, the role of nuclear ATP in safeguarding chromatin, and the broader implications for cellular fitness in development and disease.
{"title":"Mitochondria power the nucleus under pressure","authors":"Meng Yao , Yao Zong , Junjie Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mechanical confinement of cells, as occurs during processes like tumor cell invasion or immune cell trafficking, poses a pressure that can threaten nuclear integrity and cell viability. Recent findings illuminate a rapid adaptive mechanism by which cells under acute compressive stress rearrange their internal architecture to preserve nuclear functions. Upon confinement, mitochondria swiftly relocate to cluster around the nucleus (forming nuclear-associated mitochondria, NAM), entrapped by a web of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and actin filaments. This proximity provides a localized surge of ATP within the nucleus, fueling energy-intensive nuclear processes, notably maintaining an open chromatin state and facilitating efficient DNA damage repair. This targeted energy delivery maintains nuclear chromatin accessibility, supports DNA repair mechanisms, and ensures sustained cell proliferation despite physical constraints. Here we provide a commentary on these findings, discussing the biological significance of mitochondria–nucleus repositioning, the role of nuclear ATP in safeguarding chromatin, and the broader implications for cellular fitness in development and disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144878563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-28DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100145
Gurneet S. Sangha , Lauren V. Smith , Marzyeh Kheradmand , Kashif M. Munir , Nimisha Rangachar , Callie M. Weber , Zohreh Safari , Stephen C. Rogers , Allan Doctor , Alisa Morss Clyne
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in maintaining cardiovascular health. While endothelial cells were initially thought to exclusively contain endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme that produces NO, recent evidence suggests that red blood cells (RBC) also contain functional eNOS that impacts cardiovascular function. However, the mechanisms driving RBC eNOS activation are not well understood. Like endothelial cells, RBC are mechanosensitive via the stretch-activated piezo1 Ca2+ channel. Therefore, we investigated how piezo1 stimulation induced RBC and endothelial eNOS phosphorylation. We further examined how this mechanism is affected during diabetes, a condition known to impair vascular NO bioavailability. Our results reveal that piezo1 stimulation activated RBC eNOS via protein kinase C (PKC) and endothelial eNOS partially via protein kinase B (Akt). Surprisingly, piezo1-stimulation increased eNOS phosphorylation at the Ser1177 activation site nearly 20-fold in RBC from diabetic patients compared to 5.5-fold in RBC from non-diabetic patients. These findings highlight important differences in eNOS activation between RBC and endothelial cells and suggest potential biomolecular markers for targeting vascular NO bioavailability in health and disease.
{"title":"Piezo1 activates nitric oxide synthase in red blood cells via protein kinase C with increased activity in diabetes","authors":"Gurneet S. Sangha , Lauren V. Smith , Marzyeh Kheradmand , Kashif M. Munir , Nimisha Rangachar , Callie M. Weber , Zohreh Safari , Stephen C. Rogers , Allan Doctor , Alisa Morss Clyne","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule in maintaining cardiovascular health. While endothelial cells were initially thought to exclusively contain endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme that produces NO, recent evidence suggests that red blood cells (RBC) also contain functional eNOS that impacts cardiovascular function. However, the mechanisms driving RBC eNOS activation are not well understood. Like endothelial cells, RBC are mechanosensitive via the stretch-activated piezo1 Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel. Therefore, we investigated how piezo1 stimulation induced RBC and endothelial eNOS phosphorylation. We further examined how this mechanism is affected during diabetes, a condition known to impair vascular NO bioavailability. Our results reveal that piezo1 stimulation activated RBC eNOS via protein kinase C (PKC) and endothelial eNOS partially via protein kinase B (Akt). Surprisingly, piezo1-stimulation increased eNOS phosphorylation at the Ser1177 activation site nearly 20-fold in RBC from diabetic patients compared to 5.5-fold in RBC from non-diabetic patients. These findings highlight important differences in eNOS activation between RBC and endothelial cells and suggest potential biomolecular markers for targeting vascular NO bioavailability in health and disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144771986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-28DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100144
Alanna Krug , Gabrielle Inserra , Rhonda Drewes , Amanda Krajnik , Joseph A. Brazzo III , Thomas Mousso , Su Chin Heo , Yongho Bae
Scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) cellular spheroid cultures better replicate the in vivo cellular microenvironments of complex tissues than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, as they promote more intricate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. In the context of cardiovascular research, 3D spheroids have emerged as valuable models for studying angiogenesis, modeling the cardiac microenvironment, and advancing drug development and cardiac tissue repair. Given that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity worldwide, exploring 3D spheroids as in vitro models in cardiovascular research holds potential for advancing the field. Despite their promise, the experimental potential of 3D spheroids in cardiovascular disease and biology has yet to be realized. Therefore, this review discusses the advantages and limitations of 3D spheroid models for studying angiogenesis and cardiovascular pathobiology, their applications in cardiac drug development and tissue repair, and how these models can advance cardiovascular research.
{"title":"Three-dimensional spheroid models for cardiovascular biology and pathology","authors":"Alanna Krug , Gabrielle Inserra , Rhonda Drewes , Amanda Krajnik , Joseph A. Brazzo III , Thomas Mousso , Su Chin Heo , Yongho Bae","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) cellular spheroid cultures better replicate the <em>in vivo</em> cellular microenvironments of complex tissues than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, as they promote more intricate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. In the context of cardiovascular research, 3D spheroids have emerged as valuable models for studying angiogenesis, modeling the cardiac microenvironment, and advancing drug development and cardiac tissue repair. Given that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity worldwide, exploring 3D spheroids as <em>in vitro</em> models in cardiovascular research holds potential for advancing the field. Despite their promise, the experimental potential of 3D spheroids in cardiovascular disease and biology has yet to be realized. Therefore, this review discusses the advantages and limitations of 3D spheroid models for studying angiogenesis and cardiovascular pathobiology, their applications in cardiac drug development and tissue repair, and how these models can advance cardiovascular research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100137
Ruobing Liu , Yaru Huang , Maogang Jiang , Fei Xu , Qilin Pei , Jiajun Ma , Youru Li , Siqi Shen , Bo Zhang , Xiangyang Guo , Jing Cai , Wenwen Wang
Blood metabolomes have been linked to osteoporosis, yet the precise causal relationship with osteopenia, its preventable early stage, remains unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic causality between blood metabolomes and osteopenia, pinpointing potential targets for mechanomedicine. Utilizing genome-wide association study summary statistics, we analyzed 1091 metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios from 8299 individuals, correlating them with total body bone mineral density (BMD) from 56,284 individuals in the IEU GWAS database and osteopenia data from 408,961 European populations. Through two-sample Mendelian randomization, we investigated the association between blood metabolomes and skeletal characteristics. We then conducted summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and colocalization analyses to identify causal genes related to skeletal phenotypes, predicting therapeutic targets for osteopenia. Expression of potential targets in osteocytes under fluid shear stress (FSS) stimulation was tested using qRT-PCR to explore mechanical sensitivity and bone health mechanisms. Our findings revealed five metabolites affecting total body BMD and osteopenia, with biliverdin emerging as a potential protective factor against osteopenia (OR = 0.93, 95 %CI = 0.88–0.98, P = 0.009). Additionally, three genes—LRRC14, SLC22A16, and TNFRSF1A—were identified as potential therapeutic targets for osteopenia. Notably, LRRC14 and TNFRSF1A are also associated with other musculoskeletal diseases. In vitro experiments showed that FSS significantly increased LRRC14 expression in osteocytes, suggesting its potential as a mechanosensitive factor. This study identifies candidate blood metabolites and mechanomedicine targets for osteopenia, offering a scientific basis for new diagnostic and treatment strategies and deepening our understanding of bone mechanics response characteristics.
血液代谢组与骨质疏松症有关，但与骨质减少的确切因果关系，其可预防的早期阶段，仍不清楚。本研究旨在揭示血液代谢组与骨质减少之间的遗传因果关系，确定机械医学的潜在靶点。利用全基因组关联研究汇总统计，我们分析了8299名个体的1091种代谢物和309种代谢物比率，并将它们与IEU GWAS数据库中56,284名个体的总体骨密度（BMD）和408,961名欧洲人群的骨质减少数据进行了关联。通过双样本孟德尔随机化，我们研究了血液代谢组与骨骼特征之间的关系。然后，我们进行了基于汇总数据的孟德尔随机化（MR）分析和共定位分析，以确定与骨骼表型相关的致病基因，预测骨质减少的治疗靶点。利用qRT-PCR技术检测了在流体剪切应力（FSS）刺激下骨细胞中潜在靶点的表达，以探索机械敏感性和骨健康机制。我们的研究结果显示，有5种代谢物影响全身骨密度和骨质减少，其中胆绿素是预防骨质减少的潜在保护因子（OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88-0.98, P = 0.009）。此外，三个基因lrrc14、SLC22A16和tnfrsf1a被确定为骨质减少的潜在治疗靶点。值得注意的是，LRRC14和TNFRSF1A也与其他肌肉骨骼疾病相关。体外实验表明，FSS显著增加了LRRC14在骨细胞中的表达，提示其可能是一种机械敏感因子。本研究确定了骨减少的候选血液代谢物和机械药物靶点，为新的诊断和治疗策略提供了科学依据，加深了我们对骨力学反应特征的理解。
{"title":"Causal association analysis between blood metabolomes and osteopenia and therapeutic target prediction for mechanomedicine","authors":"Ruobing Liu , Yaru Huang , Maogang Jiang , Fei Xu , Qilin Pei , Jiajun Ma , Youru Li , Siqi Shen , Bo Zhang , Xiangyang Guo , Jing Cai , Wenwen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100137","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blood metabolomes have been linked to osteoporosis, yet the precise causal relationship with osteopenia, its preventable early stage, remains unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic causality between blood metabolomes and osteopenia, pinpointing potential targets for mechanomedicine. Utilizing genome-wide association study summary statistics, we analyzed 1091 metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios from 8299 individuals, correlating them with total body bone mineral density (BMD) from 56,284 individuals in the IEU GWAS database and osteopenia data from 408,961 European populations. Through two-sample Mendelian randomization, we investigated the association between blood metabolomes and skeletal characteristics. We then conducted summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and colocalization analyses to identify causal genes related to skeletal phenotypes, predicting therapeutic targets for osteopenia. Expression of potential targets in osteocytes under fluid shear stress (FSS) stimulation was tested using qRT-PCR to explore mechanical sensitivity and bone health mechanisms. Our findings revealed five metabolites affecting total body BMD and osteopenia, with biliverdin emerging as a potential protective factor against osteopenia (OR = 0.93, 95 %CI = 0.88–0.98, <em>P</em> = 0.009). Additionally, three genes—LRRC14, SLC22A16, and TNFRSF1A—were identified as potential therapeutic targets for osteopenia. Notably, LRRC14 and TNFRSF1A are also associated with other musculoskeletal diseases. In vitro experiments showed that FSS significantly increased LRRC14 expression in osteocytes, suggesting its potential as a mechanosensitive factor. This study identifies candidate blood metabolites and mechanomedicine targets for osteopenia, offering a scientific basis for new diagnostic and treatment strategies and deepening our understanding of bone mechanics response characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100137"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144296837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of intestinal organoid morphogenesis remains a fundamental challenge in organoid biology. Emerging evidence highlights mechanical bistability as a critical regulator, mediated by dynamic lumen-actomyosin feedback. The recently developed 3D vertex model demonstrates that crypt curvature modulates actomyosin localization via mechanosensitive pathways, creating two stable morphological states—bulged or budded—depending on mechanical history. This model advances beyond static vertex models by incorporating epithelial thickness variations and lumen pressure effects, explaining previously unresolved phenomena like irreversible crypt budding and snap-through transitions. The findings establish a new framework for understanding mechanical decision-making in epithelial tissues, with implications for organoid engineering and developmental biology.
{"title":"Beyond biochemical patterning: How mechanical bistability governs robust organoid morphogenesis","authors":"Qigan Gao, Yuehua Yang, Haoxiang Yang, Hongyuan Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100134","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mbm.2025.100134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of intestinal organoid morphogenesis remains a fundamental challenge in organoid biology. Emerging evidence highlights mechanical bistability as a critical regulator, mediated by dynamic lumen-actomyosin feedback. The recently developed 3D vertex model demonstrates that crypt curvature modulates actomyosin localization via mechanosensitive pathways, creating two stable morphological states—bulged or budded—depending on mechanical history. This model advances beyond static vertex models by incorporating epithelial thickness variations and lumen pressure effects, explaining previously unresolved phenomena like irreversible crypt budding and snap-through transitions. The findings establish a new framework for understanding mechanical decision-making in epithelial tissues, with implications for organoid engineering and developmental biology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100900,"journal":{"name":"Mechanobiology in Medicine","volume":"3 2","pages":"Article 100134"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144184941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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