Controlled differentiation of stem cells

Abstract

The extracellular microenvironment plays a significant role in controlling cellular behavior. Identification of appropriate biomaterials that support cellular attachment, proliferation and, most importantly in the case of human embryonic stem cells, lineage-specific differentiation is critical for tissue engineering and cellular therapy. In addition to growth factors and morphogenetic factors known to induce lineage commitment of stem cells, a number of scaffolding materials, including synthetic and naturally-derived biomaterials, have been utilized in tissue engineering approaches to direct differentiation. This review focuses on recent emerging findings and well-characterized differentiation models of human embryonic stem cells. Additionally, we also discuss about various strategies that have been used in stem cell expansion.

GFOGER-Modified MMP-Sensitive Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels Induce Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…25 The extracellular microenvironment is believed to play a key role in the biological response of stem cells. 26,27 Modification of hydrogels with small functional groups such as amines and phosphates induced differentiation of stem cells into the osteogenic or adipogenic pathways. 28 Further, the introduction of adhesion sequences such as RGD into materials has shown its role in adhesion, 24 viability, 29 proliferation, 30 and differentiation of stem cells, 31,32 however, an inhibition of chondrogenesis was also reported in RGDmodified alginate hydrogels.…”

MWCNTs enhance hBMSCs spreading but delay their proliferation in the direction of differentiation acceleration

“…26 Live cell analysis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on transparent titanium demonstrated rapid cytoskeletal re-organization on the nanoscale surface features, which ultimately induced higher expression of osteoblast phenotype genes. 6 Born et al 18 found that during osteogenic differentiation the actin cytoskeleton was reorganized, resulting in thick nonaligned actin stress fibers.…”

Biomaterials to Enhance Stem Cell Function in the Heart

“…For example, incorporation of the neurite-promoting laminin epitope peptide sequence of isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine in a hydrogel of self-assembling peptide nanofibers guides differentiation of neural progenitors selectively toward neurons instead of astrocytes. 69,70 …”