Title
Tunable Crosslinked Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix Guides Cell Fate
Author
Ramesh Subbiah, Mintai P. Hwang, Ping Du, Muhammad Suhaeri, Jun-Ha Hwang, Jeong-Ho Hong, Kwideok Park
Year
2016
Journal
Macromolecular Bioscience
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM), comprised of multiple cues (chemical, physiomechanical), provides a niche for cell attachment, migration, and differentiation. Given that different cells give rise to distinct physiological milieus, the role of such microenvironmental cues on various cells has been well-studied. Particularly, the effect of various physiomechanical factors on stem cell lineage has been resolved into individual variables via ECM protein-coated polymeric systems. Such platforms, while providing a reductionist approach as a means to remove any confounding factors, unfortunately fall short of capturing the full biophysical scope of the natural microenvironment. Herein, the use of a cell-derived ECM platform is reported in which its crosslinking density is tunable; varying concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2% w/v) of genipin (GN), a naturally derived crosslinker with low toxicity, are used to form inter- and intrafibril crosslinks. ECM crosslinking produces GN concentrationdependent changes in ECM stiffness (
Instrument
J-715
Keywords
Circular dichroism, Secondary structure, Ligand binding, Biochemistry