Matrix elasticity regulates mesenchymal stem cell chemotaxis

Extracellular matrix elasticity directs stem cell differentiation.

Stem cell differentiation is regulated by a variety of cues including growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM), although the role that the ECM has in this process is less understood. Here we provide examples of how the composition, concentration, and elastic modulus of matrix as well as its temporal and spatial location plays a key role in regulating cell fate. Natural variation of matrix ...

Matrix Elasticity Directs Stem Cell Lineage Specification

Microenvironments appear important in stem cell lineage specification but can be difficult to adequately characterize or control with soft tissues. Naive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are shown here to specify lineage and commit to phenotypes with extreme sensitivity to tissue-level elasticity. Soft matrices that mimic brain are neurogenic, stiffer matrices that mimic muscle are myogenic, and c...

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Purification from the Articular Cartilage Cell Culture

Objective Articular cartilage as an avascular skeletal tissue possesses limited capacity to heal. On the other hand, it is believed that the regeneration capacity of each tissue is largely related to its stem cell contents. Little is known about the presence of mesenchymal stem cells in articular cartilage tissue. This subject is investigated in the present study. Materials and Methods Artic...

Tumor and Stem Cell Biology NF-kB Activity Regulates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Accumulation at Tumor Sites

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) accumulate at tumor sites when injected into tumor-bearing mice, perhaps offering cellular vectors for cancer-targeted gene therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in MSC targeting the tumors are presently little understood. We focused on MSC–endothelial cell (EC) adhesion following TNF-a stimulation in an attempt to elucidate these mechanisms. Interesti...

I-30: The Mesenchymal Stem Cell - The Origin of Endometriosis