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Related Concept Videos

Stem Cell Niche01:26

Stem Cell Niche

The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
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The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors01:28

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Mesenchymal Stem Cells01:19

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Preparation of Tunable Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments to Evaluate Schwann Cell Phenotype Specification
07:50

Preparation of Tunable Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments to Evaluate Schwann Cell Phenotype Specification

Published on: June 2, 2020

Stem cells, microenvironment mechanics, and growth factor activation.

Rebeca M Tenney1, Dennis E Discher

  • 1Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|July 21, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Cellular microenvironment mechanics influence cell behavior. Mechanical forces can trigger growth factor release, impacting stem cell differentiation and development.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cellular microenvironment physicochemical properties significantly influence cell behavior.
  • Molecular mechanisms linking matrix elasticity to cell differentiation remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the mechanical dependence of growth factor activation.
  • To focus on Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-beta) release from its large latent complex.
  • To discuss implications for stem cell differentiation, development, disease, and repair.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent reports on mechanical activation of growth factors.
  • Analysis of TGF-beta release mechanisms via forced unfolding.
  • Discussion of matrix adhesion and fluid shearing effects.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests mechanical forces are critical for growth factor activation.
  • Forced unfolding of the TGF-beta large latent complex is a key mechanism.
  • Matrix adhesion and fluid shear forces can modulate these processes.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanical cues from the microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes.
  • Understanding these mechanotransduction pathways is vital for development, disease, and regenerative medicine.
  • TGF-beta release is a mechanosensitive process with broad biological relevance.