High-Throughput Contractile Measurements of Hydrogel-Embedded Intact Mouse Muscle Fibers Using an Optics-Based System

作者： Leander A. Vonk*1, Osman Esen*1, Michaela Yuen1,4, Tyler J. Kirby1,2,3 1Department of Physiology,Amsterdam UMC, 2Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failures and Arrhythmias,Amsterdam UMC, 3Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Tissue Function and Regeneration,Amsterdam UMC, 4Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine,University of Sydney

简介：

Overview

This article describes a high-throughput, optics-based method for quantifying the contractility of hydrogel-embedded muscle fibers, addressing the limitations of traditional low-throughput techniques. This approach enables assessments of genetic mutations and supports drug screening efforts aimed at improving muscle health.

Key Study Components

Research Area

• Skeletal muscle function
• High-throughput screening
• Therapeutic development

Background

• Traditional methods are laborious and low-throughput.
• Assessing contractility of isolated muscle fibers is critical for understanding muscle health.
• Hydrogels can be modified to investigate environmental effects on muscle function.

Methods Used

• Isolation and digestion of muscle fibers from mouse tissue
• Optics-based contractile measurement system
• Analysis using software for contractile data

Main Results

• The developed technique allowed for measurement of contractility in numerous muscle fibers efficiently.
• Embedding in 3D fibrin hydrogel improved measurement reliability.
• Alterations in gel composition influenced muscle function metrics.

Conclusions

• This study presents a novel approach for studying muscle fiber function in a high-throughput manner.
• Relevant for both basic biology and therapeutic applications in muscle health.

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