Effects of Functional Groups
and Macromolecules on hMSC Differentiation
Stem cells have potential to
differentiate into different cell types when stimulated with proper cues. Human
bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are being extensively used
for many tissue engineering and other medical applications. Various soluble
signals (cytokines, dissolved gases), insoluble cues (Extra cellular matrix,
cell-cell interactions etc) and physical stimuli (shear stress) affect the
survivability and differentiation of these cells. Providing the above the
signals in a controlled manner to cells can stimulate them to differentiate into
different pathways.
My project focuses on studying the effect of
various insoluble cues on the hMSC differentiation. In particular, the project
aims to study the effects of ECM components. Materials are designed based on the
composition of various types of ECM found in tissues. Highthroughput methods are
used to screen the effects of ECM components. Though high-throughput methods
have been in use to study the effects of soluble signals, they have been only
used recently to study the effects of insoluble cues on stem cells. These
methods allow for rapid screening of cell-matrix interactions. Hydrogels
functionalized with the chemical groups are spotted and polymerized on the
regular glass slides and differentiation of hMSCs is tracked using
Immunostaining at 7, 14 and 21 days after cells are seeded on the gel spots. I
am also interested in studying the release of small macromolecules (e.g. siRNA),
which can influence the differentiation of hMSCs, from the loaded gel spots to
the cell suspension.
|
