Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Induces Mitochondrial Morphological Heterogeneity via AMPK Activation

• Published in: Sichuan da xue xue bao. Journal of Sichuan University. Yi xue ban Vol. 55; no. 1; p. 47
• Main Authors: Duan, Peiyan, Liu, Yi, Lin, Xinyi, Ren, Jie, He, Jia, Liu, Xiaoheng, Xie, Jing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 20.01.2024
• Subjects: Acrylamides - analysis; Acrylamides - metabolism; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases - analysis; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases - metabolism; Biphenyl Compounds; Cells, Cultured; Extracellular Matrix - chemistry; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Humans; Hydrogels - analysis; Hydrogels - metabolism; Mitochondria; Pyrones; Thiophenes; Extracellular matrix stiffness; Fission and Fusion; Mitochondrial morphology; AMPK activation; Stem cells
• ISSN: 1672-173X
• DOI: 10.12182/20240160504

To investigate the mechanical responses of mitochondrial morphology to extracellular matrix stiffness in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the regulation of mitochondrial mechanoresponses. Two polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels, a soft one with a Young's modulus of 1 kPa and a stiff one of 20 kPa, were prepared by changing the monomer concentrations of acrylamide and bis-acrylamide. Then, hMSCs were cultured on the soft and stiff PAAm hydrogels and changes in mitochondrial morphology were observed using a laser confocal microscope. Western blot was performed to determine the expression and activation of AMPK, a protein associated with mitochondrial homeostasis. Furthermore, the activation of AMPK was regulated on the soft and stiff matrixes by AMPK activator A-769662 and the inhibitor Compound C, respectively, to observe the morphological changes of mitochondria. The morphology of the mitochondria in hMSCs showed heterogeneity when there was a change in g