The Effects of Topographical Patterns and Sizes on Neural Stem Cell Behavior

Abstract

Engineered topographical manipulation, a paralleling approach with conventional biochemical cues, has recently attracted the growing interests in utilizations to control stem cell fate. In this study, effects of topological parameters, pattern and size are emphasized on the proliferation and differentiation of adult neural stem cells (ANSCs). We fabricate micro-scale topographical Si wafers with two different feature sizes. These topographical patterns present linear micro-pattern (LMP), circular micro-pattern (CMP) and dot micro-pattern (DMP). The results show that the three topography substrates are suitable for ANSC growth, while they all depress ANSC proliferation when compared to non-patterned substrates (control). Meanwhile, LMP and CMP with two feature sizes can both significantly enhance ANSC differentiation to neurons compared to control. The smaller the feature size is, the better upregulation applies to ANSC for the differentiated neurons. The underlying mechanisms of topography-enhanced neuronal differentiation are further revealed by directing suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (MAPK/Erk) signaling pathway in ANSC using U0126, known to inhibit the activation of Erk. The statistical results suggest MAPK/Erk pathway is partially involved in topography-induced differentiation. These observations provide a better understanding on the different roles of topographical cues on stem cell behavior, especially on the selective differentiation, and facilitate to advance the field of stem cell therapy.

A nanoporous surface is essential for glomerular podocyte differentiation in three-dimensional culture

“…shsY-5Y behavior on nanosurfaces β-Tubulin III immunostaining was used to analyze the cellular morphology on nontransparent surfaces as described by Qi et al 34 As expected, RA treatment caused elongation of the cell body and extension of multiple ramifications ( Figure 4G). In the absence of RA, cells seeded on plastic ( Figure 4A), on non-patterned silicon (Si-Ctrl) (Figure 4B), or on the porous materials FE ( Figure 4C) and NE ( Figure 4D) remained undifferentiated.…”

Facile Synthesis of Conductive Polypyrrole Wrinkle Topographies on Polydimethylsiloxane via a Swelling–Deswelling Process and Their Potential Uses in Tissue Engineering

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Rapid Coating of Surfaces with Functionalized Nanoparticles for Regulation of Cell Behavior

“…Material properties such as surface morphology, [1] chemistry, [2] hydrophobicity, [3] and elasticity [4] can be used to regulate cell growth. With proper surface modification, cells can grow on materials otherwise biologically incompatible including plastics and inorganic platforms, such as polyester, polycaprolactone, polyetheretherketone, alumina and calcium phosphate.…”