Applications of Microfluidics in Stem Cell Biology

Zhang, Qiucen; Austin, Robert H.

doi:10.1007/s12668-012-0051-8

Cited by 67 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 112 publications

(106 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Major limitations of microfluidics in long-term stem cell cultures are because of liquid evaporation, protein adsorption, leaching of non-reactive compounds, and hydrophobic recovery. Despite the aforementioned limitations, microfluidics provide a potential for simultaneous multi-parametric analysis with respect to the differentiation paradigm [45]. Mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation studies using microfluidic systems have elucidated the decisive roles of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)4 and notch signaling during neuroectodermal lineage [46].…”

Section: Influence Of the Biophysical Microenvironment On Stem Cell Rmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanostructured scaffold as a determinant of stem cell fate

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The functionality of stem cells is tightly regulated by cues from the niche, comprising both intrinsic and extrinsic cell signals. Besides chemical and growth factors, biophysical signals are important components of extrinsic signals that dictate the stem cell properties. The materials used in the fabrication of scaffolds provide the chemical cues whereas the shape of the scaffolds provides the biophysical cues. The effect of the chemical composition of the scaffolds on stem cell fate is well researched. Biophysical signals such as nanotopography, mechanical forces, stiffness of the matrix, and roughness of the biomaterial influence the fate of stem cells. However, not much is known about their role in signaling crosstalk, stem cell maintenance, and directed differentiation. Among the various techniques for scaffold design, nanotechnology has special significance. The role of nanoscale topography in scaffold design for the regulation of stem cell behavior has gained importance in regenerative medicine. Nanotechnology allows manipulation of highly advanced surfaces/scaffolds for optimal regulation of cellular behavior. Techniques such as electrospinning, soft lithography, microfluidics, carbon nanotubes, and nanostructured hydrogel are described in this review, along with their potential usage in regenerative medicine. We have also provided a brief insight into the potential signaling crosstalk that is triggered by nanomaterials that dictate a specific outcome of stem cells. This concise review compiles recent developments in nanoscale architecture and its importance in directing stem cell differentiation for prospective therapeutic applications.

show abstract

Section: Influence Of the Biophysical Microenvironment On Stem Cell Rmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanostructured scaffold as a determinant of stem cell fate

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For example, stem cell division control may be distinct because these cells do not rely on a MAPK-dependent mitogenic pathway to enter the cell cycle, and they exhibit a short G1 phase prior to differentiation (Figure 3) [55] [56–58]. We know what markers are expressed in differentiated cells, but we do not yet understand when exactly the decision to differentiate is made nor the causal molecular mechanism [59].…”

Section: Redefining Commitment With Single-cell Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Start and the restriction point

Johnson¹,

Skotheim²

2013

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

121

103

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Commitment to division requires that cells sense, interpret, and respond appropriately to multiple signals. In most eukaryotes, cells commit to division in G1 prior to DNA replication. Beyond a point, known as Start in yeast and the restriction point in mammals, cells will proceed through the cell cycle despite changes in upstream signals. In metazoans, misregulated G1 control can lead to developmental problems or disease, so it is important to understand how cells decipher the myriad external and internal signals that contribute to the fundamental all-or-none decision to divide. Extensive study of G1 control in the budding yeast S. cerevisiae and mammalian culture systems has revealed highly similar networks regulating commitment. However, protein sequences of functional orthologs often indicate a total lack of conservation suggesting significant evolution of G1 control. Here, we review recent studies defining the conserved and diverged features of G1 control and highlight systems-level features that may be common to other biological regulatory networks.

show abstract

“…as stem cell research (Zhang and Austin 2012) and tissue engineering. Microfluidics could assist studies related to the deformability of red blood cells (Pinho et al 2013) and those investigating blood flow mechanisms, providing important information for diagnosing diseases and treating patients (Lima et al 2008).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%