Sequestered cell-secreted extracellular matrix proteins improve murine folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation for fertility preservation.

ABSTRACT: Synthetic matrices offer a high degree of control and tunability for mimicking extracellular matrix functions of native tissue, allowing the study of disease and development in vitro. In this study, we functionalized degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels with extracellular matrix (ECM)-sequestering peptides aiming to recapitulate the native ECM composition for culture and maturation of ovarian follicular organoids. We hypothesized that ECM-sequestering peptides would facilitate deposition and retention of cell-secreted ECM molecules, thereby recreating cell-matrix interactions in otherwise bioinert PEG hydrogels. Specifically, heparin-binding peptide from antithrombin III (HBP), heparan sulfate binding peptide derived from laminin (AG73), basement membrane binder peptide (BMB), and he

SUBMITTER: Tomaszewski CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8434940 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature