Synthetic fibrous hydrogels as a platform to decipher cell–matrix mechanical interactions

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216934120
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03T19:10:27Z
• Authors: Hongbo Yuan; Kaizheng Liu; Mar Cóndor; Jorge Barrasa-Fano; Boris Louis; Johannes Vandaele; Paula de Almeida; Quinten Coucke; Wen Chen; Egbert Oosterwijk; Chengfen Xing; Hans Van Oosterwyck; Paul H. J. Kouwer; Susana Rocha
• Keywords: mechanobiology; Matrix (chemical analysis)

Cells continuously sense external forces from their microenvironment, the extracellular matrix (ECM). In turn, they generate contractile forces, which stiffen and remodel this matrix. Although bidirectional mechanical exchange is crucial for many cell functions, it remains poorly understood. Key challenges are that majority of available matrices such studies, either natural or synthetic, difficult to control lack biological relevance. Here, we use a yet highly biomimetic hydrogel based on polyisocyanide (PIC) polymers investigate effects fibrous architecture nonlinear mechanics cell–matrix interactions. Live-cell rheology was combined with advanced microscopy-based approaches understand mechanisms behind cell-induced stiffening plastic remodeling. We demonstrate how cell-mediated fiber remodeling propagation displacements modulated by adjusting properties material. Moreover, validate relevance our results demonstrating cellular tractions in PIC gels develop analogously those ECM. This study highlights potential disentangle complex interactions improve design materials mechanobiology studies.