Mechanobiology: A landscape for reinterpreting stem cell heterogeneity and regenerative potential in diseased tissues
Riccardo Tassinari,
Elena Olivi,
Claudia Cavallini,
Valentina Taglioli,
Chiara Zannini,
Martina Marcuzzi,
Oleksandra Fedchenko,
Carlo Ventura
Affiliations
Riccardo Tassinari
ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Elena Olivi
ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Claudia Cavallini
ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Valentina Taglioli
ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Chiara Zannini
ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Martina Marcuzzi
NIBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Oleksandra Fedchenko
NIBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Carlo Ventura
ELDOR LAB, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy; NIBB, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy; Corresponding author
Summary: Mechanical forces play a fundamental role in cellular dynamics from the molecular level to the establishment of complex heterogeneity in somatic and stem cells. Here, we highlight the role of cytoskeletal mechanics and extracellular matrix in generating mechanical forces merging into oscillatory synchronized patterns. We discuss how cellular mechanosensing/-transduction can be modulated by mechanical forces to control tissue metabolism and set the basis for nonpharmacologic tissue rescue. Control of bone anabolic activity and repair, as well as obesity prevention, through a fine-tuning of the stem cell morphodynamics are highlighted. We also discuss the use of mechanical forces in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and heart failure through the fine modulation of stem cell metabolic activity and regenerative potential. We finally focus on the new landscape of delivering specific mechanical stimuli to reprogram tissue-resident stem cells and enhance our self-healing potential, without the need for stem cell or tissue transplantation.
