Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jinju Chen
This study adopts a combined computational and experimental approach to determine the mechanical, structural, and metabolic properties of isolated chondrocytes cultured within three-dimensional hydrogels. A series of linear elastic and hyperelastic finite-element models demonstrated that chondrocytes cultured for 24 h in gels for which the relaxation modulus is <5 kPa exhibit a cellular Youngs modulus of 5 kPa. This is notably greater than that reported for isolated chondrocytes in suspension. The increase in cell modulus occurs over a 24-h period and is associated with an increase in the organization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton, which is known to regulate cell mechanics. However, there was a reduction in chromatin condensation, suggesting that changes in the nucleus mechanics may not be involved. Comparison of cells in 1% and 3% agarose showed that cells in the stiffer gels rapidly develop a higher Youngs modulus of 20 kPa, sixfold greater than that observed in the softer gels. This was associated with higher levels of actin organization and chromatin condensation, but only after 24 h in culture. Further studies revealed that cells in stiffer gels synthesize less extracellular matrix over a 28-day culture period. Hence, this study demonstrates that the properties of the three-dimensional microenvironment regulate the mechanical, structural, and metabolic properties of living cells.
Author(s): Chen J, Irianto J, Inamdar S, Pravincumar P, Lee DA, Bader DL, Knight MM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Biophysical Journal
Year: 2012
Volume: 103
Issue: 6
Pages: 1188-1197
Print publication date: 19/09/2012
Date deposited: 11/01/2013
ISSN (print): 0006-3495
ISSN (electronic): 1542-0086
Publisher: Cell Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2012.07.054
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.07.054
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
