Autocrine-controlled formation and function of tissue-like aggregates by primary hepatocytes in micropatterned hydrogel arrays.

ABSTRACT: The liver carries out a variety of essential functions regulated in part by autocrine signaling, including hepatocyte-produced growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM). The local concentrations of autocrine factors are governed by a balance between receptor-mediated binding at the cell surface and diffusion into the local matrix and are thus expected to be influenced by the dimensionality of the cell culture environment. To investigate the role of growth factor and ECM-modulated autocrine signaling in maintaining appropriate primary hepatocyte survival, metabolic functions, and polarity, we created three-dimensional cultures of defined geometry using micropatterned semisynthetic polyethylene glycol-fibrinogen hydrogels to provide a mechanically compliant, nonadhesive material platform

SUBMITTER: Williams CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3063704 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature