Controlling the fibroblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells via the combination of fibrous scaffolds and connective tissue growth factor.

ABSTRACT: Controlled differentiation of multi-potent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into vocal fold-specific, fibroblast-like cells in vitro is an attractive strategy for vocal fold repair and regeneration. The goal of the current study was to define experimental parameters that can be used to control the initial fibroblastic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. To this end, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and micro-structured, fibrous scaffolds based on poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) were used to create a three-dimensional, connective tissue-like microenvironment. MSCs readily attached to and elongated along the microfibers, adopting a spindle-shaped morphology during the initial 3 days of preculture in an MSC maintenance medium. The cell-laden scaffolds were subseq

SUBMITTER: Tong Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3204202 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature