The effect of substrate stiffness on adult neural stem cell behavior

摘要: Adult stem cells reside in unique niches that provide vital cues for their survival, self-renewal and differentiation. In order to better understand the contribution of substrate stiffness neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) differentiation proliferation, a photopolymerizable methacrylamide chitosan (MAC) biomaterial was developed. Photopolymerizable MAC is particularly compelling study central nervous system niche because Young's elastic modulus (E(Y)) can be tuned from less than 1 kPa greater 30 kPa. Additionally, numerous free amine functional groups enable inclusion biochemical signaling molecules that, together with mechanical environment, influence behavior. Herein, NSPCs proliferated on substrates moduli below 10 exhibited maximal proliferation 3.5 surfaces. Neuronal favored soft est surfaces E(Y) 7 kPa); however, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) gene expression suggested maturation myelination best < scaffolds where more mature neurons were present. Astrocyte only observed represented 2% total population. This work demonstrates importance adult highlights properties success designed engineer tissue.