Cell volume regulates terminal differentiation of cultured human epidermal keratinocytes.

ABSTRACT: To gain insights into the human epidermal stem cell niche, we have previously identified micron-scale topographical substrates that regulate differentiation of spread keratinocytes. On one substrate (S1), cells interact with circular topographies and differentiation is stimulated; on the other (S2), cells interact with triangular topographies and differentiation is inhibited. Cell stiffness on S1 and S2 was similar, and nuclear localisation of the mechano-sensitive transcriptional regulator YAP1 was decreased on S1 and S2 compared to on flat substrates. However, cells on S2 exhibited reduced cell volume, leading us to explore the potential for volume-regulated differentiation. Treatment with polyethylene glycol decreased cell volume and inhibited differentiation under a range of conditions

SUBMITTER: Zijl S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12450470 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature