Primary Fiber Research Articles

Calponin 3 regulates stress fiber formation in dermal fibroblasts during wound healing

Skin wound healing is an intricate process involving various cell types and molecules. In granulation tissue, fibroblasts proliferate and differentiate into myofibroblasts and generate mechanical tension for wound closure and contraction. Actin stress fibers formed in these cells, especially those containing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), are the central machinery for contractile force generation. In the present study, calponin 3 (CNN3), which has a phosphorylation-dependent actin-binding property, was identified in the molecular mechanism underlying stress fiber formation. CNN3 was expressed by fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in the proliferation phase of wound healing, and was associated with α-SMA in stress fibers formed by cultured dermal fibroblasts. CNN3 expression was post-transcriptionally regulated by tension, as demonstrated by disruption of actin filament organization under floating culture or blebbistatin treatment. CNN3 knockdown in primary fibroblasts impaired stress fiber formation, resulting in a phenotype of decreased cellular dynamics such as cell motility and contractile ability. These findings indicate that CNN3 participates in actin stress fiber remodeling, which is required for cell motility and contraction of dermal fibroblasts in the wound healing process.

Conserved and divergent functions of Nfix in skeletal muscle development during vertebrate evolution

During mouse skeletal muscle development, the Nfix gene has a pivotal role in regulating fetal-specific transcription. Zebrafish and mice share related programs for muscle development, although zebrafish develops at a much faster rate. In fact, although mouse fetal muscle fibers form after 15 days of development, in fish secondary muscle fibers form by 48 hours post-fertilization in a process that until now has been poorly characterized mechanically. In this work, we studied the zebrafish ortholog Nfix (nfixa) and its role in the proper switch to the secondary myogenic wave. This allowed us to highlight evolutionarily conserved and divergent functions of Nfix. In fact, the knock down of nfixa in zebrafish blocks secondary myogenesis, as in mouse, but also alters primary slow muscle fiber formation. Moreover, whereas Nfix mutant mice are motile, nfixa knockdown zebrafish display impaired motility that probably depends upon disruption of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. We conclude that, during vertebrate evolution, the transcription factor Nfix lost some specific functions, probably as a consequence of the different environment in which teleosts and mammals develop.

Mechanical Enhancement of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites Based on Carbon Nano Fibers by Using Spraying Methodology

Carbon nanofibers have been utilized increasingly for enhancing the mechanical properties of advanced polymer composites, which include high strength, stiffness, toughness, and through-thickness Properties. The incorporation of nano particles with a high aspect ratio and extremely large surface area into polymers improves their mechanical properties significantly. Although a number of efforts have been made to improve various properties by mixing nano particles directly into resin, however, it could lead to high viscosities which create problems during processing. In this particular study, an attempt has been made to enhance mechanical response of nano composites by using, state of the art, a different technique i.e spraying the Carbon Nano Fibers (CNF) on dry perform before infusion. The nano composite samples were prepared using a spraying methodology i.e dispersing the 1.0 weight percent CNF solution on carbon fabric, and evaporating the solvent such that only nano fibers remain on perform, followed by Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Tensile, compression, flexural and short beam strength tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of CNF addition on the mechanical properties of carbon / epoxy composites. Results indicated, CNF addition offered simultaneous increase in all these mechanical properties in different percentages i.e 22–28 percent improvement in tensile strength, 7-11 percent in compressive strength, 14–19 percent in Flexural strength and 45-55 percent short beam strength with respect to the neat composite. The rise in their modulus has also been discussed in detail and part of this study. For in-depth analysis, Microscopic approaches were also carried out to investigate the fracture behavior and mechanism of material. Scanning electron microscopy of fractured surfaces revealed improved primary fiber–matrix adhesion and indications of CNF-induced matrix toughening.

Microbiota conservation and BMI signatures in adult monozygotic twins

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota acts like a virtual organ and is suggested to be of great importance in human energy balance and weight control. This study included 40 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs to investigate the influence of the human genotype on GI microbiota structure as well as microbial signatures for differences in body mass index (BMI). Phylogenetic microarraying based on 16S rRNA genes demonstrated that MZ twins have more similar microbiotas compared with unrelated subjects (P<0.001), which allowed the identification of 35 genus-like microbial groups that are more conserved between MZ twins. Half of the twin pairs were selected on discordance in terms of BMI, which revealed an inverse correlation between Clostridium cluster IV diversity and BMI. Furthermore, relatives of Eubacterium ventriosum and Roseburia intestinalis were positively correlated to BMI differences, and relatives of Oscillospira guillermondii were negatively correlated to BMI differences. Lower BMI was associated with a more abundant network of primary fiber degraders, while a network of butyrate producers was more prominent in subjects with higher BMI. Combined with higher butyrate and valerate contents in the fecal matter of higher BMI subjects, the difference in microbial networks suggests a shift in fermentation patterns at the end of the colon, which could affect human energy homeostasis.

A balance of FGF and BMP signals regulates cell cycle exit andEquarinexpression in lens cells

In embryonic and adult lenses, a balance of cell proliferation, cell cycle exit, and differentiation is necessary to maintain physical function. The molecular mechanisms regulating the transition of proliferating lens epithelial cells to differentiated primary lens fiber cells are poorly characterized. To investigate this question, we used gain- and loss-of-function analyses to modulate fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and/or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals in chick lens/retina explants. Here we show that FGF activity plays a key role for proliferation independent of BMP signals. Moreover, a balance of FGF and BMP signals regulates cell cycle exit and the expression of Ccdc80 (also called Equarin), which is expressed at sites where differentiation of lens fiber cells occurs. BMP activity promotes cell cycle exit and induces Equarin expression in an FGF-dependent manner. In contrast, FGF activity is required but not sufficient to induce cell cycle exit or Equarin expression. Furthermore, our results show that in the absence of BMP activity, lens cells have increased cell cycle length or are arrested in the cell cycle, which leads to decreased cell cycle exit. Taken together, these findings suggest that proliferation, cell cycle exit, and early differentiation of primary lens fiber cells are regulated by counterbalancing BMP and FGF signals.

Genome-wide identification of differentially expressed genes under water deficit stress in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

BackgroundCotton is the world’s primary fiber crop and is a major agricultural commodity in over 30 countries. Like many other global commodities, sustainable cotton production is challenged by restricted natural resources. In response to the anticipated increase of agricultural water demand, a major research direction involves developing crops that use less water or that use water more efficiently. In this study, our objective was to identify differentially expressed genes in response to water deficit stress in cotton. A global expression analysis using cDNA-Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism was conducted to compare root and leaf gene expression profiles from a putative drought resistant cotton cultivar grown under water deficit stressed and well watered field conditions.ResultsWe identified a total of 519 differentially expressed transcript derived fragments. Of these, 147 transcript derived fragment sequences were functionally annotated according to their gene ontology. Nearly 70 percent of transcript derived fragments belonged to four major categories: 1) unclassified, 2) stress/defense, 3) metabolism, and 4) gene regulation. We found heat shock protein-related and reactive oxygen species-related transcript derived fragments to be among the major parts of functional pathways induced by water deficit stress. Also, twelve novel transcripts were identified as both water deficit responsive and cotton specific. A subset of differentially expressed transcript derived fragments was verified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Differential expression analysis also identified five pairs of duplicated transcript derived fragments in which four pairs responded differentially between each of their two homologues under water deficit stress.ConclusionsIn this study, we detected differentially expressed transcript derived fragments from water deficit stressed root and leaf tissues in tetraploid cotton and provided their gene ontology, functional/biological distribution, and possible roles of gene duplication. This discovery demonstrates complex mechanisms involved with polyploid cotton’s transcriptome response to naturally occurring field water deficit stress. The genes identified in this study will provide candidate targets to manipulate the water use characteristics of cotton at the molecular level.

Overcoming Tap-Delay-Variation Induced Distortion in Microwave Photonic Filters

A new technique to realize a multiple-tap microwave photonic Alter that is free of the limitations of tap-delay-variation induced Alter distortion, which enables it to operate at high microwave frequencies, is presented. It is based on a technique using a wideband high-order dispersion compensator to cancel the group delay variations of the primary optical fiber dispersive delay line. The compensator, implemented using a programmable Fourier-domain dynamic wavelength processor incorporating liquid crystal on silicon pixels, provides a tailored optical phase profile to effectively cancel out the tap-delay variations originating from the primary fiber delay line. Experimental results verify the new technique and demonstrate a 20-tap microwave photonic bandpass filter obtained using a multi-frequency laser source with equally spaced lines, which operates to 20 GHz without any radio frequency distortion.

Poster #58 DIRECT COMPARISON OF MEMORY IMPAIRMENT IN YOUTH AT FAMILIAL RISK FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA OR AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS

Similarities between behavioral and substance addictions exist. However, direct neurobiological comparison between addictive disorders is rare. Determination of disorder specificity (or lack thereof) of alterations within white matter microstructures will advance understanding of the pathophysiology of addictions.We compared white matter microstructural features between individuals with gambling disorder (GD) (n = 38), cocaine use disorder (n = 38), and healthy comparison (n = 38) participants, as assessed using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. To provide a more precise estimate of diffusion within regions of complex architecture (e.g., corticolimbic tracts), analyses were conducted using a crossing-fiber model incorporating local-orientation modeling (tbss_x). Anisotropy estimates for primary and secondary fiber orientations were compared using analyses of variance corrected for multiple comparisons across space using threshold-free cluster enhancement (pfamilywise error < .05).A main effect of group on anisotropy of secondary fiber orientations within the left internal capsule, corona radiata, forceps major, and posterior thalamic radiation involving reduced anisotropy among GD and cocaine use disorder participants in comparison with healthy comparison participants. No differences in anisotropy measures were found between GD and cocaine use disorder individuals.This is the first study to compare diffusion indices directly between behavioral and substance addictions and the largest diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging study of GD. Our findings indicate similar white matter microstructural alterations across addictions that cannot be attributed solely to exposure to drugs or alcohol and thus may be a vulnerability mechanism for addictive disorders.

Poster #59 THE OUTCOME OF EARLY ONSET SCHIZOPHRENIA BASED ON A SYSTEMATIC META-ANALYSIS OF THE LITERATURE

Similarities between behavioral and substance addictions exist. However, direct neurobiological comparison between addictive disorders is rare. Determination of disorder specificity (or lack thereof) of alterations within white matter microstructures will advance understanding of the pathophysiology of addictions.We compared white matter microstructural features between individuals with gambling disorder (GD) (n = 38), cocaine use disorder (n = 38), and healthy comparison (n = 38) participants, as assessed using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. To provide a more precise estimate of diffusion within regions of complex architecture (e.g., corticolimbic tracts), analyses were conducted using a crossing-fiber model incorporating local-orientation modeling (tbss_x). Anisotropy estimates for primary and secondary fiber orientations were compared using analyses of variance corrected for multiple comparisons across space using threshold-free cluster enhancement (pfamilywise error < .05).A main effect of group on anisotropy of secondary fiber orientations within the left internal capsule, corona radiata, forceps major, and posterior thalamic radiation involving reduced anisotropy among GD and cocaine use disorder participants in comparison with healthy comparison participants. No differences in anisotropy measures were found between GD and cocaine use disorder individuals.This is the first study to compare diffusion indices directly between behavioral and substance addictions and the largest diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging study of GD. Our findings indicate similar white matter microstructural alterations across addictions that cannot be attributed solely to exposure to drugs or alcohol and thus may be a vulnerability mechanism for addictive disorders.

ISyTE:IntegratedSystemsTool forEye Gene Discovery

To facilitate the identification of genes associated with cataract and other ocular defects, the authors developed and validated a computational tool termed iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery; http://bioinformatics.udel.edu/Research/iSyTE). iSyTE uses a mouse embryonic lens gene expression data set as a bioinformatics filter to select candidate genes from human or mouse genomic regions implicated in disease and to prioritize them for further mutational and functional analyses. Microarray gene expression profiles were obtained for microdissected embryonic mouse lens at three key developmental time points in the transition from the embryonic day (E)10.5 stage of lens placode invagination to E12.5 lens primary fiber cell differentiation. Differentially regulated genes were identified by in silico comparison of lens gene expression profiles with those of whole embryo body (WB) lacking ocular tissue. Gene set analysis demonstrated that this strategy effectively removes highly expressed but nonspecific housekeeping genes from lens tissue expression profiles, allowing identification of less highly expressed lens disease-associated genes. Among 24 previously mapped human genomic intervals containing genes associated with isolated congenital cataract, the mutant gene is ranked within the top two iSyTE-selected candidates in approximately 88% of cases. Finally, in situ hybridization confirmed lens expression of several novel iSyTE-identified genes. iSyTE is a publicly available Web resource that can be used to prioritize candidate genes within mapped genomic intervals associated with congenital cataract for further investigation. Extension of this approach to other ocular tissue components will facilitate eye disease gene discovery.

Emphysema in an adult with galactosialidosis linked to a defect in primary elastic fiber assembly

Galactosialidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by loss of function of protective protein cathepsin A, which leads to secondary deficiencies of β-galactosidase and neuraminidase-1. Emphysema has not been previously reported as a possible complication of this disorder, but we now describe this condition in a 41-year-old, non-smoking male. Our patient did not display deficiency in α-1-antitrypsin, the most common cause of emphysema in non-smokers, which brings about disseminated elastolysis. We therefore hypothesized that loss of cathepsin A activity was responsible because of previously published evidence showing it is prerequisite for normal elastogenesis. We now present experimental evidence to support this theory by demonstrating impaired primary elastogenesis in cultures of dermal fibroblasts from our patient. The obtained data further endorse our previous finding that functional integrity of the cell surface-targeted molecular complex of cathepsin A, neuraminidase-1 and the elastin-binding protein (spliced variant of β-galactosidase) is prerequisite for the normal assembly of elastic fibers. Importantly, we also found that elastic fiber production was increased after exposure either to losartan, spironolactone, or dexamethasone. Of immediate clinical relevance, our data suggest that surviving patients with galactosialidosis should have periodic assessment of their pulmonary function. We also encourage further experimental exploration of therapeutic potential of the afore-mentioned elastogenesis-stimulating drugs for the alleviation of pathological processes in galactosialidosis that could be mechanistically linked to impaired deposition of elastic fibers.

The effect of maternal undernutrition on muscle development in the ovine fetus*

The effect of maternal undernutrition on muscle development of near-term ovine fetuses was studied in 2 experiments. In each experiment, Welsh mountain ewes were randomly assigned to either control (C) or nutrient-restricted (R) groups. In the first experiment, mild maternal undernutrition (85% of daily nutritional requirement (DNR)), and in the second experiment, severe maternal undernutrition (50% of DNR), were imposed between 0 and 70 days of gestation (dg). Controls for both groups were maintained on 100% of their DNR throughout the experiment. In each experiment, ewes were killed at 126 ± 1 dg by an intravenous injection of pentobarbitone. The semitendinosus muscle was dissected, and sections were stained for alkali-stable ATPase. The total number of primary and secondary fibers and the total number of fibers were estimated. In both experiments, there was a significant decrease in primary, secondary, and total fiber numbers (P < 0.05 for each). We speculate that the decrease in primary fiber number in both experiments is due to some of the large, central, and alkali-ATPase-negative (slow) fibers at near-term being secondary fibers. Therefore, the real primary fibers may not be affected.

Pressurised compressive chip pre-treatment of Norway spruce with a mill scale Impressafiner

Abstract Mill scale trials were performed to evaluate pressurised compressive chip pre-treatment with the Impressafiner installed in one of the thermomechanical pulp lines at Braviken paper mill (Holmen Paper AB). The aim of the study was to determine if earlier reported effects of the Impressafiner pre-treatment on spruce chips from pilot scale trials (i.e. energy reduction and extractives removal) could also be attained with the mill scale Impressafiner. The mill scale Impressafiner pre-treatment resulted in partial disintegration of chips into a material consisting of fragmented chips with cracks running along the longitudinal fibre axis. Splits or evidence for weaknesses were observed between the primary and secondary fibre walls of pre-treated chips. An increase in water uptake for pre-treated chips was also observed. The extractive content was reduced by up to 24% for pulps produced with pre-treated chips compared to pulps from untreated chips. Pulp produced from pre-treated chips had higher tensile- and tear indices, elongation and light scattering and lower freeness compared to pulps from untreated chips produced with the same total specific energy consumption. The total specific energy needed to reach a tensile index of 47 Nm/g was reduced by 120 kWh/bone dry ton (6%) with Impressafiner pre-treatment. A smaller refiner plate gap was needed to reach the same specific energy consumption for pre-treated chips compared to untreated chips.

Nanotoxicology: in Vitro–in Vivo Dosimetry

Nanotoxicology: in Vitro–in Vivo Dosimetry

Endothelial Glycocalyx: Permeability Barrier and Mechanosensor

Endothelial cells are covered with a polysaccharide rich layer more than 400 nm thick, mechanical properties of which limit access of circulating plasma components to endothelial cell membranes. The barrier properties of this endothelial surface layer are deduced from the rate of tracer penetration into the layer and the mechanics of red and white cell movement through capillary microvessels. This review compares the mechanosensor and permeability properties of an inner layer (100-150 nm, close to the endothelial membrane) characterized as a quasi-periodic structure which accounts for key aspects of transvascular exchange and vascular permeability with those of the whole endothelial surface layers. We conclude that many of the barrier properties of the whole surface layer are not representative of the primary fiber matrix forming the molecular filter determining transvascular exchange. The differences between the properties of the whole layer and the inner glycocalyx structures likely reflect dynamic aspects of the endothelial surface layer including tracer binding to specific components, synthesis and degradation of key components, activation of signaling pathways in the endothelial cells when components of the surface layer are lost or degraded, and the spatial distribution of adhesion proteins in microdomains of the endothelial cell membrane.

Rac1 GTPase-deficient mouse lens exhibits defects in shape, suture formation, fiber cell migration and survival

Morphogenesis and shape of the ocular lens depend on epithelial cell elongation and differentiation into fiber cells, followed by the symmetric and compact organization of fiber cells within an enclosed extracellular matrix-enriched elastic capsule. The cellular mechanisms orchestrating these different events however, remain obscure. We investigated the role of the Rac1 GTPase in these processes by targeted deletion of expression using the conditional gene knockout (cKO) approach. Rac1 cKO mice were derived from two different Cre (Le-Cre and MLR-10) transgenic mice in which lens-specific Cre expression starts at embryonic day 8.75 and 10.5, respectively, in both the lens epithelium and fiber cells. The Le-Cre/Rac1 cKO mice exhibited an early-onset (E12.5) and severe lens phenotype compared to the MLR-10/Rac1 cKO (E15.5) mice. While the Le-Cre/Rac1 cKO lenses displayed delayed primary fiber cell elongation, lenses from both Rac1 cKO strains were characterized by abnormal shape, impaired secondary fiber cell migration, sutural defects and thinning of the posterior capsule which often led to rupture. Lens fiber cell N-cadherin/β-catenin/Rap1/Nectin-based cell–cell junction formation and WAVE-2/Abi-2/Nap1-regulated actin polymerization were impaired in the Rac1 deficient mice. Additionally, the Rac1 cKO lenses were characterized by a shortened epithelial sheet, reduced levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and increased apoptosis. Taken together, these data uncover the essential role of Rac1 GTPase activity in establishment and maintenance of lens shape, suture formation and capsule integrity, and in fiber cell migration, adhesion and survival, via regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesive interactions and ECM turnover.

Time-Dependent Properties of Human Umbilical Fascia

This investigation is devoted to the study of the viscoelastic behavior of human abdominal fascia from the umbilical region. Seventeen samples 10 mm wide and up to 70 mm long were cut along the primary fiber direction (group FL) or perpendicular to it (group FT) and subjected to relaxation tests. The viscoelastic response of the tissue at three different strain levels (4%, 5%, and 6%) was investigated. The relaxation curves were fitted using a two-stage decaying exponential form. The following parameters were determined: initial stress σ0, relaxation times τ1 and τ2, stress reduction Δσ, initial relaxation modulus E and equilibrium relaxation modulus Eeq, as well as the ratio E/Eeq. Fiber orientation and strain levels were varied to determine their influence on the viscoelastic properties of fascia. The results highlight the inherent viscoelastic mechanical properties of umbilical fascia. The values of the viscoelastic parameters determined for the longitudinal and transverse directions varied markedly. Significant differences were found between the two groups FL and FT for the initial stress at 5% and 6% strain (p < 0.038) and for the initial and equilibrium moduli at the 6% strain level (p < 0.046). The stress reduction in samples from the FL group (45–55%) was less than that in samples from the FT group (37–54%), but this difference was not significant (p > 0.388). The influence of strain level on the parameter values was not statistically significant (p > 0.121). The nonlinear response of the tissue was demonstrated over the chosen strain range.

The Pathologic Effect of a Novel Neomorphic Fgf9Y162C Allele Is Restricted to Decreased Vision and Retarded Lens Growth

Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signalling plays a crucial role in many developmental processes. Among the Fgf pathway ligands, Fgf9 (UniProt: P54130) has been demonstrated to participate in maturation of various organs and tissues including skeleton, testes, lung, heart, and eye. Here we establish a novel Fgf9 allele, discovered in a dominant N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) screen for eye-size abnormalities using the optical low coherence interferometry technique. The underlying mouse mutant line Aca12 was originally identified because of its significantly reduced lens thickness. Linkage studies located Aca12 to chromosome 14 within a 3.6 Mb spanning interval containing the positional candidate genes Fgf9 (MGI: 104723), Gja3 (MGI: 95714), and Ift88 (MGI: 98715). While no sequence differences were found in Gja3 and Ift88, we identified an A→G missense mutation at cDNA position 770 of the Fgf9 gene leading to an Y162C amino acid exchange. In contrast to previously described Fgf9 mutants, Fgf9Y162C carriers were fully viable and did not reveal reduced body-size, male-to-female sexual reversal or skeletal malformations. The histological analysis of the retina as well as its basic functional characterization by electroretinography (ERG) did not show any abnormality. However, the analysis of head-tracking response of the Fgf9Y162C mutants in a virtual drum indicated a gene-dosage dependent vision loss of almost 50%. The smaller lenses in Fgf9Y162C suggested a role of Fgf9 during lens development. Histological investigations showed that lens growth retardation starts during embryogenesis and continues after birth. Young Fgf9Y162C lenses remained transparent but developed age-related cataracts. Taken together, Fgf9Y162C is a novel neomorphic allele that initiates microphakia and reduced vision without effects on organs and tissues outside the eye. Our data point to a role of Fgf9 signalling in primary and secondary lens fiber cell growth. The results underline the importance of allelic series to fully understand multiple functions of a gene.

BMP‐induced L‐Maf regulates subsequent BMP‐independent differentiation of primary lens fibre cells

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals are essential for lens development. However, the temporal requirement of BMP activity during early events of lens development has remained elusive. To investigate this question, we have used gain- and loss-of-function analyses in chick explant and intact embryo assays. Here, we show that BMP activity is both required and sufficient to induce L-Maf expression, whereas the onset of δ-crystallin and initial elongation of primary lens fibre cells are BMP-independent. Moreover, before lens placode formation and L-Maf onset, but not after, prospective lens placodal cells can switch to an olfactory placodal fate in response to decreased BMP activity. In addition, L-Maf is sufficient to up-regulate δ-crystallin independent of BMP signals. Taken together, these results show that before L-Maf induction BMP activity is required for lens specification, whereas after L-Maf up-regulation, the early differentiation of primary lens fibre cells occurs independent of BMP signals.

Mechanical characterization of hierarchical carbon fiber/nanofiber composite laminates

Susceptibility to matrix driven failure is one of the major weaknesses of continuous-fiber composites. In this study, helical-ribbon carbon nanofibers (CNF) were dispersed in the matrix phase of a continuous carbon fiber-reinforced composite. Along with an unreinforced control, the resulting hierarchical composites were tested to failure in several modes of quasi-static testing designed to assess matrix-dominated mechanical properties and fracture characteristics. Results indicated CNF addition offered simultaneous increases in tensile stiffness, strength and toughness while also enhancing both compressive and flexural strengths. Short-beam strength testing resulted in no apparent improvement while the fracture energy required for the onset of mode I interlaminar delamination was enhanced by 35%. Extrinsic toughening mechanisms, e.g., intralaminar fiber bridging and trans-ply cracking, significantly affected steady-state crack propagation values. Scanning electron microscopy of delaminated fracture surfaces revealed improved primary fiber–matrix adhesion and indications of CNF-induced matrix toughening.