Tuning microenvironment modulus and biochemical composition promotes human mesenchymal stem cell tenogenic differentiation.

ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for the regeneration of tendon and ligament tissues. Toward realizing this potential, microenvironment conditions are needed for promoting robust lineage-specific differentiation into tenocytes/ligament fibroblasts. Here, we utilized a statistical design of experiments approach to examine combinations of matrix modulus, composition, and soluble factors in human MSC tenogenic/ligamentogenic differentiation. Specifically, well-defined poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels were synthesized using thiol-ene chemistry providing a bioinert base for probing cell response to extracellular matrix cues. Monomer concentrations were varied to achieve a range of matrix moduli (E ∼ 10-90 kPa), and different ratios of integrin-binding peptides were incorporated

SUBMITTER: Rehmann MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5510610 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature