Mechanism of regulation of stem cell differentiation by matrix stiffness

Stem cell behaviors are regulated by multiple microenvironmental cues. As an external signal, mechanical stiffness of the extracellular matrix is capable of governing stem cell fate determination, but how this biophysical cue is translated into intracellular signaling remains elusive. Here, we eluci...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Stem cell research & therapy 2015-05, Vol.6 (1), p.103-103, Article 103
Main Authors: Lv, Hongwei, Li, Lisha, Sun, Meiyu, Zhang, Yin, Chen, Li, Rong, Yue, Li, Yulin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological products
Cell Differentiation
Cytoskeleton - physiology
Gene expression
Genetic aspects
Humans
Integrins - metabolism
Lamins - metabolism
Mechanotransduction, Cellular - physiology
Physiological aspects
Review
Signal Transduction
Stem cells
Stem Cells - cytology
Stem Cells - metabolism
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Summary:Stem cell behaviors are regulated by multiple microenvironmental cues. As an external signal, mechanical stiffness of the extracellular matrix is capable of governing stem cell fate determination, but how this biophysical cue is translated into intracellular signaling remains elusive. Here, we elucidate mechanisms by which stem cells respond to microenvironmental stiffness through the dynamics of the cytoskeletal network, leading to changes in gene expression via biophysical transduction signaling pathways in two-dimensional culture. Furthermore, a putative rapid shift from original mechanosensing to de novo cell-derived matrix sensing in more physiologically relevant three-dimensional culture is pointed out. A comprehensive understanding of stem cell responses to this stimulus is essential for designing biomaterials that mimic the physiological environment and advancing stem cell-based clinical applications for tissue engineering.
ISSN:1757-6512
1757-6512
DOI:10.1186/s13287-015-0083-4